Charles and Erica Auster attended the NMFA Annual Leadership Luncheon on June 15, 2007.
Lee Woodruff, wife of reporter Bob Woodruff, gave a moving speech to the audience of war
heroes and their home hero spouses.

Erica summed up the event saying, “The event was amazing. There is truly no other word
to describe it. Charles and I were in the presence of some of the most incredible people.”

The Austers met many military couples with stories a lot like their own. The Washams from
Texas shared time with the Austers and talked about Joe’s injuries sustained from an attack
that left him severely burn-scarred. Jennifer Washam works for an office supply company,
staffed by disabled veterans and their spouses. Their teamwork and dedication to helping
other heroes inspired the Austers as well as with everyone else they came into contact.
  

Sitting at the Auster's table for lunch was Diane Tomb from Operation Homefront, Deborah
Mayberry, a Marine spouse from Management Consulting and Executive Coaching for the
Bowen Group, Rick Lee of Magellan Health (proud MSCCN supporter), and Tamra J. Avrit
from Booz Allen and Hamilton. “Needless to say, the chatter was loud and worthwhile”,
Erica recalls.
   
“Throughout the day Charles and I ran into other outstanding individuals. Lynne Pace, wife of
General Pace, was one of those people. She was very graceful and friendly. She took Charles
and me, as well as the Washams, into her heart and hopefully her memories.”
  

The highlight of the day for Erica was meeting Lee Woodruff, wife of reporter Bob Woodruff.
“She is petite but mighty. She is not a military spouse by definition but is definitely at heart.
The trials she and Bob have been through are like those of Charles and mine. Our families
have suffered in the same ways but we pick ourselves up and move on every day.

Woodruff's speech was heartfelt and inspiring. I had to hold back tears as she spoke of their
experiences; not tears of sadness, but of relief that my husband made it through and is,
in fact, one of the lucky ones.”