Kathy Catts loves the bond of Stonecroft Military reservists.
A huddle of nearly a dozen women chats as they eat lunch and drink smoothies at some tables pushed together. They don’t look like the typical coffee house customers though. They’re wearing fatigues and combat boots. They are reservists who train monthly at the Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Georgia.
Kathy Catts is one of the Stonecroft Military volunteers who facilitates the group at Saturday lunch during the reserve weekend. Kathy knows about military life as her husband was an Air Force fighter pilot for 24 years and her father was an Army non-commissioned officer. She understands the struggles these service women face.
Kathy became involved with Stonecroft Military when she served on the Marietta CWC planning team. She heard about a planned outreach at Dobbins a few years ago and volunteered to help with the off-base event that honored the women reservists. Over time, three major Military events were held before the outreach transitioned to a small group facilitated by Kathy and Ilene McLaughlin, another Marietta CWC participant.
As they talk, the reservists discuss books such as 10 Smart Things Women Can Do and the pilot of Enough, the upcoming release in Stonecroft’s Conversations series. The women love these book discussions because they are relevant, seeker friendly, and non-threatening. “The format allows them to connect with each other,” Kathy says.
Kathy likes watching the interaction. The group prayed for one reservist as she purchased a new house. After its purchase, she invited the group to see it. “She connected,” Kathy says. “It’s been that way since the beginning.”
A chaplain’s assistant was recently transferred to another state and has asked to stay connected to Stonecroft Military. She wants to see a similar group on her new base and train leaders to facilitate.
Kathy is grateful for the support from the chaplains at the base. Their help allowed these “weekend warrior” women to meet in the comfortable setting of the coffeehouse over lunch, so they wouldn’t have to meet after their duty time ended.
Encouraging others is what keeps Kathy involved with Stonecroft Military. “It’s gratifying to know that we’re making a difference – letting them know that people care, they’re important, and respect what they’re doing,” she says.
Robyne Baker
Writer/Editor and Grant Research
Stonecroft Military
