The Blog - Meet a Milspouse - The Story of Army Spouse, Colleen Mar...

While active-duty military life is in the rearview mirror for Colleen Marchi, the legacy of military service runs deep in her family. She is a veteran Army spouse, Mom to three boys, and the Founder and CEO of Magical Order of Brave Knights - the brand behind the plush bear named Sir William the Brave Knight created with the intent to help develop strategies to conquer separation anxiety and nighttime fears and replace it with happiness and blissful sleep. Brave Knights offers children friendship, devotion, love, and guardianship all through the night.

I am honored to shine a light on Colleen's story, her Army family, and her award-winning bear that helps children with sleep and anxiety. Say hello to my friend, Colleen Marchi!

GIVE US A BEHIND-THE-SCENES PEEK AT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY – HOW DID YOU BECOME A MILITARY SPOUSE (MILSPOUSE)? WHAT DO YOU DO IN ADDITION TO BEING A MILSPOUSE? AND A FUN FACT ABOUT YOUR MILITARY FAMILY?

We are a military family. My husband is now a Veteran but we have been together for 23 years. I am also a Gold Star sister, my brother was killed while serving in the Army in 2023. My oldest son is going into the Army and my youngest is going into the Navy.

On top of being a MilSpouse and the founder and CEO of Magical Order of Brave Knights, I am also a softball coach. I coach at two different colleges as a pitching coach.

IN WHICH MILITARY BRANCH DOES YOUR SPOUSE SERVE AND FOR HOW MANY YEARS?

My husband was in the Army for 31 years.

WHERE HAS THE MILITARY MOVED YOUR FAMILY OVER THE YEARS? WHICH WAS YOUR FAVORITE DUTY STATION AND WHY?

He is now retired so this has been the best thing for us to have a home base and set up roots.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A MILITARY SPOUSE? TELL US SOMETHING THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED OR HAS MADE YOU STRONGER BECAUSE YOU ARE A MILSPOUSE?

I look back at who I was when I first met my husband and got married. I have grown so much as a wife and a mother. The strength that comes from the challenges and pivoting that is required from this life has been amazing for me.

The thing I love the most about being a part of this life is the service to others that is woven into the fabric of our lives.

WHO INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?

I am inspired by so many people lately. The ones that pop to mind are other military spouses who keep pushing each day. Lyndsey Akers, Monica Fullerton, Theresa Black, Stephanie Brown, Jen Pasquale and you, Wendy Hively. I look at what you all have accomplished and it is what keeps me going and pushes me to climb the next mountain in my business.

WHICH CHARLIEMADISON EVERYDAY REMINDER DO YOU WEAR ON YOUR WRIST AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THAT PARTICULAR BRACELET?

I love the Gold Star bracelet - I wear it to remember my brother. I also love the In My Heart Army Bracelet. I wore it every day while my son was away at military prep school.

Shop Colleen's Bracelet

WHAT DO YOU DO TO STAY CONNECTED TO WHAT MATTERS MOST, DESPITE THE UNCERTAINTY, FREQUENT MOVES, AND DEPLOYMENTS THAT GO ALONG WITH BEING A MILITARY FAMILY?

I felt like that would all end once my husband retired and life would be easier....maybe. But in fact, the transition to Veteran life has also had its challenges.

I have to still rely on what got me through the deployments and stress of being in the military. Spending time together as a family is what helps me. I find my boys need it also. We will hang out and just talk late at night when I get home from work. We laugh, tell stories and just remind ourselves that tomorrow is not given. We try to soak up a moment of happiness or joy each day. This life can be uncertain but I feel grounded when I am with my family.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A FELLOW MILITARY SPOUSE WHO IS STRUGGLING WITH MILITARY LIFE OR DEPLOYMENT?

I would suggest getting connected to other military spouses. It can feel isolating and overwhelming but everyone has gone through the same struggles. Knowing you have some support is huge and make sure you are getting proper sleep. Making sleep a priority will improve mood, health and your overall outlook on life. Sleep, sleep and sleep!

WE HAPPEN TO BE QUOTE LOVERS AROUND HERE – CAN YOU SHARE A FAVORITE QUOTE THAT KEEPS YOU INSPIRED?

I love the quote, "You can do hard things." I remind myself of that every single day. Everyone always has doubt or fear that comes up but reminding ourselves that we can do hard things really helps us make it through. As a mother and a military spouse, I am amazed at what I have been able to accomplish.

The other funny one I love is, "Mom sleep is like regular sleep but without the sleep!" I am working so hard to make this no longer a reality for my moms.