While military spouses play a key role within their families, they are also important contributors to and supporters of their local communities.

Tuesday, Nov. 19, the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce recognized and honored one of these special people during a ceremony at Burs Restaurant. The Chamber's first annual "Military Spouse of Influence" recognition program and award was presented to military spouse, educator and Lakewood resident Stephanie Roethlisberger.

Lakewood Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Chairperson Ken Swarner, along with Chamber President and CEO Linda Smith, presented Roethlisberger with gifts of recognition for all that she has done for her community along with their warm thanks and appreciation on behalf of Chamber members and the community at large.

The contributions of military spouses resonate deeply within the community, Swarner said.

"So many military spouses connect and contribute to our local communities. Our ultimate goal was to find the military spouse connected with Lakewood," he said. "While there were some great nominations, Stephanie's was one that really ‘bubbled' to the top ... (she) is a great reminder of what military spouses do in our community and how they make our city an excellent place to live."

Indeed. Roethlisberger's community efforts are nothing short of astounding. Here are some of her accomplishments:

• Coordinated Armed Forces Blood Drive;
• Assisted with a local high school career fair and regional JROTC camp;
• Organized fundraiser for the Wounded Warrior Project Fund;
• Organized summer FLT family gathering;
• Helped raise funds and awareness for local cancer research through a Relay for Life charity event;
• Organized FLT coat drive with a local homeless shelter;
• Member of the school district improvement team and assisted in revamping three different programs;
• Volunteer at the FISH Food Bank;
• Helped redesign/improve 61HA zone map to be more comprehensive;
• Active in Air Force community relations events and volunteer at Run for your Life mud run that promoted Air Force awareness;
• Part of the school discipline committee that implemented a district behavior management system;
• Volunteered numerous hours providing security at EAC and top three fundraisers;
• Special Olympics volunteer;
• Helped out FLT with a canned food drive.

What's even more extraordinary - she accomplished all of these efforts while completing her Master's Degree in Education (also earning a 4.0 GPA) and while working as a fifth-grade teacher at Fredrickson Elementary in Puyallup.

Roethlisberger has only just begun in her new home state. She credits her husband, Staff Sgt. Josh Roethlisberger, for getting her started.

"My husband is very involved with things, too," she explained. "He asked me join him. I thought it would be a great way to spend time together."

Not only did the couple spend time together, but Stephanie really took a shine to helping out.

"I really enjoy volunteering, and it's a real passion," she explained. "I love meeting new people and helping out."

When asked what cause is nearest to her heart, she couldn't pick just one.

"I enjoy all of them," she said. "I like to come up with new ideas, too. However, as a teacher who sees lots of military children in my school, well, anything I can do for them and other kids (is) a real passion."

While Roethlisberger was overjoyed and humbled by the recognition and generous gifts from the Chamber, she also walked away amazed by the passion and dedication of local community supporters in the room.

"I left the event today with lots of extra inspiration," she said. "It's amazing how many people here really support the community. It's really great!"

Contributors to the "Military Spouse of Influence" recognition program award were: ACC Tech; Adriatic Grill; Click! Cable TV; Harborstone Credit Union; Jim Curley; Lakewold Gardens; Lakewood Chamber of Commerce; Lakewood Walmart; Lakewood YMCA; Marriott Courtyard Tacoma; Mary Kay Independent Senior Sales Director Tammy Steele; Merit Construction Northwest; Omni Financial; Ranger/Airlifter Newspapers; Red Lion Hotel Olympia; Ripe Tomato Restaurant; Tacoma Trophy; Tranquility Massage; Twin Star Credit Union; UBS Financial Services; Wesley Inn & Suites Gig Harbor; and West Coast Publishing.