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Welcome
It's a Military Life is committed to supporting military spouses and transitioning veterans in their journey to learn, thrive, and grow. Our programs offer unique opportunities for veterans to connect with supportive pen pals, for individuals to access career-enhancing professional development, and for military authors to receive valuable support through our literacy initiatives. We aim to create a community where every member can find the encouragement and resources they need to succeed.
It's a Military Life Corporation is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization (EIN: 87-2309516)
It's a Military Life Team
Meet our dedicated team of volunteers who are contributing their time and talent to further the mission on IML!
McKinzee
Crow
Director of Operations
It's a Military Life
McKinzee grew up in a small town near St. Louis, Missouri and went to college in Fayetteville, Arkansas where she met her husband. She is energetic and dedicated with a passion for fitness, proudly serving as a military spouse and a devoted dog mom. She thrives on connecting with new people and making a positive impact, particularly in supporting fellow military spouses. Her commitment to this community was honored with an Angel Award at her current base, a recognition that fuels her drive to continue making a difference. Whether she is working out, meeting new friends, or lending a helping hand, she embraces every opportunity to uplift and inspire those around her.
Derrick
Mays​​
Director of Human Resources
It's a Military Life
Derrick Mays is a dedicated advocate for employee rights and removing the stigma in navigating mental health. He graduated from Texas A&M University, with a master’s degree in human resources and a focus of Industrial/Organizational Psychology. During his career, Derrick has guided his clients in overcoming obstacles in the workplace, self-empowerment, and remaining truly authentic to their genuine core beliefs. He has over 13 years of experience in multiple areas of Human Resources and is committed to partnering with leaders on improving workplace culture through organizational change.
Nathan
Eddington
Program Manager
Veteran Pen Pal Project
Nathan R. Eddington, a committed Program Manager for the Veteran Pen Pal Project (VPPP), dedicates his efforts to supporting veterans, particularly those dealing with TBI and PTSD. As a disabled Army veteran, he served with distinction for 12 years, including tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait, and as an instructor at Fort Bragg. Nathan's military service provides him with firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by veterans, especially those related to traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder.
His passion for the VPPP stems from his understanding of the critical importance of connection and support for veterans. With over 20 years of construction management experience, Nathan brings strong leadership and organizational skills. His dedication to It's A Military Life's mission is evident in his tireless efforts to foster meaningful connections and support through the VPPP. Nathan aims to improve veterans' lives by offering communication and camaraderie, addressing isolation and mental health challenges.
Nathan is married to Shaneena Woods-Eddington, the Director of Nonprofit Development at It's A Military Life. Together, they are raising six children, with Nathan having three adult children from a previous marriage. His family-oriented approach and deep understanding of military life enhance his ability to connect with and support veterans through impactful programs.
Lourdes
Gonzales
Program Manager
It's a Military Child Life​
Lourdes is a motivated Masters student in Library and Information Science with a background in Psychology, deeply passionate about creating inclusive and informed communities. As part of a military family, Lourdes understands the importance of support and connection. Fluent in Spanish and experienced in customer service, education, and social media marketing, she is eager to use her skills in information science and psychology to innovate accessible spaces for information exchange and community engagement within the military community.
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Inell
Samol
Social Media Marketing Manager
​It's a Military Life
As the Social Media Manager at It's a Military Life, Inell is the voice behind the screen, passionately crafting narratives that celebrate and support our military community. Her journey is rooted in a deep respect for those who serve and their families, and she thrives on creating connections that matter. With a flair for storytelling, Inell transforms IML's mission into vibrant social media experiences that honor the past and inspire the future. Every post is a tribute, every campaign a call to action—together, let's remember, honor, and teach the values that define us.
Adrianna
Feery
Social Media Assistant
It's a Military Life
Adrianna is a dedicated mom of three boys and the wife of a Marine veteran. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Southern New Hampshire University and a certificate in photography. As a bilingual communicator with a passion for storytelling and creativity, she thrives in photography and social media. She values authenticity, adaptability, and collaboration in every aspect of her work.
Aundrea
Bachler
Social Media Assistant
Veteran Pen Pal Project
Aundrea graduated with a bachelor's degree in marketing from USF and is currently starting her master's degree as well! In her spare time, she does social media for Krewe of Europa. One of the reasons she chose to volunteer for It's a Military Life is that she has multiple friends and family who have served or are still serving!
Mikaela Kewelina
Chang Flores
Video Editor
It's a Military Life
A Native Hawaiian from Kailua, Oahu, Mikaela Kewelina Chang Flores is a skilled video editor with over 13 years of experience creating content. Drawing from her deep cultural roots, she uses storytelling as a powerful tool to engage and inspire audiences.
Currently working as a Flight Attendant and is a certified Emergency Medical Technician, Mikaela holds an Associates degree in Business Administration: Operations Management, which complements her versatile skill set. As a devoted military spouse to an Army service member, she brings resilience, adaptability, and the importance of connection into every project.
Mikaela is also a proud mother to a sweet boy and a loving bonus mom to another. In her downtime, she enjoys going to the beach, picking flowers, cozy gaming, reading on her Kindle, DIY projects, and eating desserts.
Michael
Ramos
Lead Ambassador
​Veteran Pen Pal Project
With a family full of military service, Michael Ramos is a proud Marine Corps veteran currently residing with his wife and children in Australia. Nowadays, he is an "Active Duty citizen" in advocating on veterans' issues before Congress, encouraging volunteering and patriotic activities, and is an active member of several U.S. veterans service organizations.
