Blues Warriors Honor Military Spouses: The Strength Behind the Service

Today, on National Military Spouse Appreciation Day, the St. Louis Blues Warriors pause to recognize the unsung heroes who stand behind every service member—our spouses. These remarkable individuals have supported us through deployments, transitions, and recovery, all while holding our families and futures together. Their strength, love, and sacrifice often go unspoken, but today, we shine a spotlight on their impact.

The Heart Behind the Mission

Marine Corps veteran Zachary Wood credits his wife Kimberly as the steady hand that helped him navigate both active duty and post-service life. “She visited me every other month while I was stationed in California just to lift my spirits and even those of my fellow Marines,” he recalls. From volunteering with his unit to encouraging his involvement with veteran programs like the Blues Warriors, Kimberly’s selfless support has been transformative. “Sometimes all we need is that one person to have our back,” Zachary says. “Kimberly is undoubtedly that person for me.”

A True Partner and Champion

Jacob Roybal met his wife Courtney while working in substance use treatment. Her compassion left a lasting impression, one that only deepened over time. A former crisis line clinician turned full-time mom, Courtney continues to be his biggest supporter on and off the ice. “She’s never missed an event and even came to early morning practices,” Jacob says. He proposed to her at the 2023 Gateway Warrior Classic in front of the entire team—a fitting tribute to a love forged in resilience. “She’s my hype chick, my best friend, and the heart of our little family.”

Healing, Love, and Loyalty

When Eli Gosney met his wife Karen, he was at one of the lowest points in his life. But through it all, she stood by him. “She is the calm in the storm,” Eli shares. Whether supporting his recovery or working tirelessly at St. Louis Community College, Karen’s strength and loyalty have been unwavering. “Just ask her dean, she’s the hardest working person there.”

Medical Excellence Meets Personal Devotion

Nathan Geno speaks with pride about his fiancée, Heather Hager, a surgical first assistant specializing in neurosurgery at DePaul Hospital. Beyond her demanding career, Heather has stepped up to support the Warriors community, ensuring fellow veterans receive top-tier medical care. “She’s truly our biggest cheerleader and an incredible woman in every sense.”

Service Runs Deep

Bill Owens shares a unique story - his wife Lindsey is not just a military spouse but also a veteran. A former Tech Sgt with the 126th Air Refueling Wing, Lindsey deployed after 9/11 to support Operation Enduring Freedom. Eventually, she stepped away from her career to raise their sons so Bill could continue serving. “She gave up something she loved for our family,” he says. “Now she supports me every step of the way as a Blues Warrior.”

Heroism in the Hospital and at Home

To Keith Burley, his wife is nothing short of a real-life hero. A nurse practitioner at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, she performs life-saving treatments for children with cancer, including bone marrow transplants. “It takes a special person to do what she does,” Keith says. “She’s saving lives at work and being an incredible mom to our two kids, and one bonus kid, at home.”

A Life of Quiet Strength

Daniel Ortwerth reflects on the extraordinary resilience of his wife, Natalie. First diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, she has battled continuous health challenges while raising six children and caring for his wheelchair-bound mother, all while Daniel deployed for military duty. When Daniel was offered a prestigious teaching assignment at the Air Force Academy, Natalie encouraged him to take it, despite needing to run the household alone for three years. “She is a Combat Mission Ready wife,” he says. Now facing terminal cancer, Natalie continues to lead her family with courage and grace.

Steadfast Through Separation

John Hart credits his wife June as the anchor of their blended family. Through deployments, overseas assignments, and the daily demands of parenting, June has remained calm and unwavering. “She gives our family purpose and direction,” John says. Even while juggling full-time work and caring for four children, she supported him from afar during a year-long assignment in Korea. Today, she carries that spirit into her work as a federal wage and hour investigator, advocating for those without a voice. “She leads with integrity and compassion in everything she does.”

Doctor, Wife, Leader

For Greg Burian, his wife Megan is not only a constant supporter but also an accomplished academic. She discovered the Blues Warriors and urged Greg to join—something that led him to his current role as the organization's President. Recently earning her doctorate, Dr. Megan Burian continues to lead by example, empowering Greg and the Warriors community with her unwavering encouragement.

Saluting the Spouses

These stories offer just a glimpse into the sacrifices, triumphs, and unshakable devotion military spouses bring to our lives. Today, we honor you. Whether holding down the home front, cheering from the sidelines, or offering a hand when we need it most, you make our mission possible.

From all of us at the St. Louis Blues Warriors - THANK YOU.