Wake County mother named Military Spouse of the Year

FUQUAY-VARINA, N.C. — A Fuquay-Varina mother of three was awarded for her commitment to the military community during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Thursday.

Bianca Strzalkowski, 31, said she was "honored" to be named as the 2011 Military Spouse of the Year by Military Spouse Magazine.  She has been a military wife for nine years – her husband, Ronald, is an active duty Marine Corps sergeant – and she volunteers with groups that offer support to other military families. While she was in the nation's capital, she met with First Lady Michelle Obama and Second Lady, Dr. Jill Biden. Strzalkowski said she plans to use the national platform to encourage civilians to get involved in supporting the military community. Strzalkowski, who had her 15-year-old son when she was a teenager herself, feels grateful that she was able to find her passion in life. She offered advice to other young mothers. "I had my son young in life. No obstacles prevent you from pursuing your dreams and being successful with them if you keep fighting," Strzalkowski said. "To find something I'm passionate about has been the greatest gift of my life." Her other sons are 2 and 5 years old.