BPW celebrates 'A Night with The Real Army Wives'

 The ladies of the local chapter of Business and Professional Women met Tuesday September 10, 2013 at On The Square Gallery & Gifts. The members and guests were treated to a reception hosted by owner, Deborah Brasfield after hearing from not only their BPW State President, Jackie Hilliard, and local President, Carolyn Beverly, but also a distinguished guest speaker.“Andrea Lynne Cory, widow of Army LTC Commander Rennie Cory of Ft Bragg, is a respected Army Wife who reaches out to Military wives both active, retired and widows in an attempt to help them with the various issues they face on a daily basis as well as just to encourage, uplift and support them in the important role they play in our military.” reads Cory’s biography on her facebook fan page: The Real Army Wives-Ask AndreaLynne.Cory was introduced by BPW Regional Director, Andrea Young and spoke to the group about her desire to advance her initiative as an advocate for military families.  She relayed not only her story as an army wife but also that of the men and women she has supported and the cause for community support towards all military families.  Through fostering an awareness of the lack of benefits and lack of support for family members she is attempting to make a difference for these heroes and their families.Cory is the inspiration for the character “Claudia Joy Holden” on Lifetime’s hit series, “Army Wives”.  Although she inspired the character, many details of her life, loss and experiences are very different and she is proud to share her true story in order to inform others and foster awareness for the need of support and encouragement for all military branches and their loved ones. “People often refer to me as the real Claudia Joy, but honestly I am the real Andrea Lynne,” said Cory to the group.  “I just want to make a difference because the families of the military as well as the soldier and veteran make sacrifices every day.”