Meet the Mitchells
Do you want to learn more about us? Of course, we are happy to introduce ourselves to you.
Read below about each unique member of the Mitchell family.
Hello, I’m Kelly
MASTER SERGEANT KELLY MITCHELL
Born and raised in Mason, Ohio, I joined the Army straight out of high school in April, 1995. I attended Basic Combat Training (BCT) at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri to be an Army Musician (42R). It was the first summer for co-ed BCT at Fort Lost-in-the-Woods. When I enlisted, the Army did not have accommodations for women at Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for musicians so after BCT I came home and started college. During my 28 years in the military, I have fought hard for the same training and opportunities as my male-counterparts. I felt isolated, alone, and insuperior. Many times I wanted to throw in the towel and go home. I poured my heart and sole into my military and civilian education, growing as a Soldier and leader, and building my resiliency like a callus. No one promised it would be easy, but it has been worth it. I have met some amazing people and taken some epic adventures. I wouldn’t trade my experiences for the world. I love this crazy life of mine, and am thrilled to share it with you.
Shane
SERGEANT FIRST CLASS MICHAEL SHANE MITCHELL
How do I possibly describe my Soldier-Husband-Proud Army Dad and tell our story? Well, he fondly nicknamed me “Battle-Axe”. lol Seriouly, the day I was promoted to Master Sergeant he posted to his socail media, “Congradulations to my amazing partner in life and now my Senior NCO. She continues to stay persistent and is committed to everything she tackles. Over her 27 years, her resilience and dedication has helped her climb to a position that less than 2% of Soldiers ever achieve. And keep in mind that only 17% of Soldiers are female. Kelly has repeatedly broken through gender stereotypes her whole life. I am so happy that our children were able to be a part of Kelly’s promotion ceremony. They have been able to witness their mom break through barriers and overcome struggles throughout their lives as she proves daily that a woman can do anything a man can do!” My Shane-ee War-Axe 😉 is my biggest supporter, my rock, and my safe place. He continues to push me to go after my dreams and is my strongest cheerleader in life. You can learn more about our Army journey in the following story from the 204th Public Affairs Detachment. at the following link,
https://fb.watch/etbUJx4eCn/
Noah
CADET MITCHELL
I thought 28 years in the military and as a military spouse, would have prepared me for the moment my own child answered that calling. Boy, was I wrong. Anyone that has been on the receiving side of that scripted phone call, knows that helpless feeling every parent dreads when they have no ability to protect their child. But, WOW, the pride and awe that you feel when you see your child take that step out of the nest, open those wings, and soar! This is just the beginning for my Soldier-Son. His journey will be his own, but I am so blessed that I get to be a part of it. Cannot wait to salute 2LT Mitchell in May, 2023.
Maddie
I’m Goin’ Do It My Way
How do you manage with two type-A parents? You do it your way. And I couldn’t be prouder. I won’t pretend to always agree, but I also won’t get in the way. Your story is for you to tell. You are writing it your way in your time. There’s no need to rush. It’s always best to stop and smell the roses. Pink hair, don’t care! Those piercings and tattoos are fine with me, too. Why not high heel combat boots. I’m impressed because I don’t think I could walk in them. I remember what it was like thinking I am not living up to expectations, but all I care is that we stay connected. We have more in common than you might think.
Muppet
My constant companion that keeps me from feeling lonely and unneeded.
Glad to share custody with the best dog ever. Muppet gets me up in the morning. He reminds me everyday that there’s someone who needs me and loves me unconditionally. Muppet never complains about the long hours or gets upset when I have to be away. He is always excited to jump in the car and make the two hour trip to Ft Knox. But, I don’t think he will ever get used to the sounds of gunfire from the range.
Rosey Helga
Coming Soon
Prince Harry
Coming Soon
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Across the armed services, women made up only 16% of the active-duty military as of 2017. Their representation is small and growing only marginally — in 2007, women in uniform made up 14.4% of the force — and their stories tend to be ignored in favor of legacies left by men who have shaped the narrative of service to country. Despite being overlooked, servicewomen are forging new career paths for themselves and the next generation as they enter jobs that were once closed to them.
I would love to hear your military story and possibly feature it in a future blog or maybe in my novel, Fighting the Glass Ceiling, a story about Jewleann Rose’s experience joining the Army in the late 1990s.