Bolivar to welcome "The Real Army Wives"

As the county makes plans for the remembrance of “Patriot Day” on September 11, many are anticipating the arrival of the city’s special guest from North Carolina who is scheduled to make a variety of appearances in the city during the week of September 11.        To those outside the United States Army, she’s known primarily as the inspiration behind Lifetime TV’s character “Claudia Joy Holden” on the hit TV series Army Wives. To those within the Army, she’s known as the widow of LTC Rennie M Cory Jr. Inside or outside the Army, she is known to all as “The Real Army Wife.”    Andrea Lynne Cory, creator of “The Real Army Wives”, travels across the country and utilizes social media to advocate for and promote soldiers and military families. Cory will be the featured speaker at the Hardeman County Business and Professional Women’s “A Night with The Real Army Wives” on September 10 and the featured speaker for the “Patriot Day” September 11 event at the courthouse square in Bolivar.  “My goal is to magnify the public’s view of not just the soldiers and their families but the entire body of the military which would include veterans and dependents who are no longer active duty,” said Cory. “I want to see us fine tune their benefits to match the sacrifice they have made” Cory said she is looking forward to her trip to Hardeman County.“I am completely overwhelmed and honored they have asked me to come for such a significant event concerning our nation,” said Cory. “I’m excited.”Bolivar City Mayor Barrett Stevens (retired Command Sgt. Major) said Cory’s appearance and visit to Bolivar is a rare opportunity for the city that should be taken advantage of by everyone.“Bolivar and Hardeman County doesn’t get this kind of opportunity very often. We are in a position to have someone like her speak not only once to our citizens in the city but a few times as well as speaking to our students at Bolivar Middle School. Everyone can learn something from this lady,” said Stevens. “Military families, citizens who support our military or those who are just open to being encouraged and motivated ~ everyone needs to attend one or all of these events. You won’t be disappointed. Our city is proud to welcome Mrs. Cory to Bolivar and look forward to her coming.” Cory desires to become a major advocate and motivator for military families and those who have separated from service.“My ultimate goal is to give the military ‘human form’~ a real person that can encourage and motivate military families. One who will increase awareness and benefits for those that serve,” said Cory.Cory said the Army ‘issued’ her a vast amount of experience throughout 21 years. This, and her personal insight, is the avenue of her success in relating to the armed forces on so many levels.“My experiences both as Army Wife and Air force brat encompass what most military families encounter ~ which sadly includes the loss of my husband while overseas on a hardship tour,” said Cory.Cory’s husband, LTC Rennie M. Cory Jr, was killed on April 7, 2001 when his helicopter crashed into the top of a mountain in Vietnam while he was leading a mission to recover the remains of POW’s/MIA’s from the Vietnam War.Cory is scheduled to arrive at courthouse square just prior to the start of the ceremony by helicopter in honor of her husband. There will be a missing man formation flyover provided by Tennessee Helicopter Services in honor of LTC Cory, which will occur during the ceremony. Cory will be escorted from the helicopter by CSM (ret) Stevens with the honor guard.“What makes me so tuned-in to the majority of military spouses is the immeasurable experience I had concerning military life, my husband’s hardship tours, his death and dealing with benefits ~ or the lack of.” said Cory.Cory gave up her own career, made multiple moves throughout her time as a military wife and mother, lost her husband while he was on a mission along with various other sacrifices dependents are required to make. When asked if the 21 years of sacrifice as an Army wife was worth it, Cory paused for a moment and with a ready smile answered “we’ll see.”