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Commander’s wife finds perfect work-life combination

Key Spouse leader, Hampton Inn employee says career and military life go hand-in-hand

McChord Field spouse Katherine O’Connell stands next to building plans for the new Hampton Inn in DuPont, which is still being built and scheduled to open in December. /Corinne Lincoln-Pinheiro

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Katherine O'Connell is a military spouse who, though she wears many hats, has found what many seek the perfect work-life combination. The wife of Lt. Col. T.J. O'Connell, commander of the 4th Airlift squadron at McChord Field, Katherine is the unit's Key Spouse (or FRG) Program leader, mother of four children ranging from ages 4 to 27, and the director of sales and marketing at the (soon-to-be-opened) Hampton Inn in DuPont.  

She says it's thanks to the great people she works with at Hampton Inn and an amazing volunteer staff in her military life that she's able juggle her many roles.

"I've been in hospitality all my life and have managed hotels since age 17," O'Connell said. "It is a great career for military spouses because of the places we see as we PCS and that exposure. We make great ambassadors and are able to connect with clients on different levels as a result. It's the perfect compliment because it's all connected."

O'Connell said she gets a "natural high" making a difference in people's lives - from booking the perfect room for a meeting at work to delivering meals to a military family in need.

"That's where I get my great energy from. Both worlds require adaptability, knowing how to deal with various personalities and how to manage different and unique challenges daily."

Whether it's connecting spouses, making homecoming banners, educating the community about tourism deals at Hampton Inn or partnering with JBLM for community events, planning and organization is key. O'Connell treats both worlds as a service project and pays it forward.

"Just as military spouses move frequently," she said, "the hospitality industry isn't stagnant and requires you move often to grow and seek new opportunities."

Located off exit 119, the Hampton Inn is scheduled to open in mid-December. It will house 116 rooms, 36 of which are suites. The elevated design will host a large fitness center, indoor pools, oversized rooms with wet bars and living rooms, and 42-inch TVs in each room.

"Don't be surprised if you encounter a military spouse when you visit us," O'Connell said.

Hampton Inn hired six military spouses from Joint Base Lewis-McChord at a recent job fair, and now half of the front desk staff and half of the housekeeping staff consists of military spouses and/or retirees from JBLM.

"Military spouses make excellent sales people, too," O'Connell said. "They are able to communicate and relate well to people because of their military experience. I have an amazing and supportive boss and autonomy to do my job, and management understands the military community. I couldn't ask for more."

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