Behind every service member is a family who serves in their own way. In honor of military moms everywhere, we are honored to introduce you to two Lake Norman women whose love, strength, and sacrifices are woven into their children’s journeys of service. Through pride, worry, distance, and countless prayers, these mothers remind us that serving our country is a family affair.
Jennifer L. Gipp
VP of Philanthropy and Marketing at Purple Heart Homes
First and foremost, I’m a mom. My husband has been my biggest supporter and together we have two children, Michael and Maddie. Michael was already serving in the Marine Corps when I joined Purple Heart Homes and was a big part of what drew me to its mission.
Michael has been a Marine for six years, including four years stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and recently reenlisted. One of my hardest moments came when he first left for boot camp. For 13 weeks, there were no phone calls or texts, only the hope of a letter. I still have the first one he sent. When I finally heard his voice, the tears came the moment he said “Mom.”
Being a military mom is a combination of enormous pride, worry, and learning to let go. Watching Michael become a leader, especially when my husband and I traveled to Japan to pin him at his promotion to sergeant, was one of my proudest mama moments.
His service has also changed how I see the veterans we serve. Nearly half of the Purple Heart Homes team are veterans, and their experiences have helped me better understand what Michael may be going through, even when he doesn’t share every detail. Everyone we serve is somebody’s “Michael.” Someone watched them leave, waited for a phone call, worried about them, and celebrated their accomplishments.
Military service affects entire families, and I hope people remember the loved ones standing behind every person in uniform. Through Purple Heart Homes, I have the privilege of giving back to those who have given so much.
Annie Hanson
Owner of The Closet Niche
My son, Airman First Class Jacob Monsour, serves in the United States Air Force. He left for boot camp the day before his 20th birthday in June 2025, marking the first birthday of his I had ever missed. This summer, he celebrated his 21st birthday while stationed in Italy.
It is difficult to put into words the impact having a child join the military has on a mother’s life. While other parents look forward to college visits, academic milestones, and holiday breaks, military moms pray, worry, and wait for the next phone call. We feel immeasurable pride in our sons for serving something bigger than themselves, yet that pride comes with a heartache and fear that are difficult to describe.
I am beyond proud of my son, yet I miss him every day. I support him while worrying about his safety and grieving the birthdays, holidays, and everyday moments we miss together. Being a military mom requires embracing the unknown and finding the strength to endure challenges, just as he is doing.
Others may see bravery, but I see sacrifice: an empty chair, a phone I keep close, late-night worries, and news broadcasts that have become too difficult to watch. No matter where the military sends Jacob, my heart is always with him. I strive to turn worry into faith and fear into courage.
As a military mom, I must smile when I want to cry, cheer him on when I want to hold him close, and accept that he is his own man, walking his own path. My advice to fellow military moms is simple: Pray, Support, Encourage, Wait, and Repeat!
