I was privileged to interview two innovative and intrepid women this month. Each has reached out to meet a need. Each has taken chances and broken new ground to do what she feels called to do. These two women come from different worlds and see different needs. But each started from scratch to do the work she was called to do, planting the seed with her own funds, time and passion. Both are seeing the fruit of their work.

Both are named Sally:

The Air Force Combat Action Medal has been recently awarded to an airman at Ramstein. Congratulations to Sgt. Robert Scheel.

This has already made news on the main Stripes web site, in a story by Jennifer Svan. It is noteworthy here, because the medal was designed by an Air Force spouse, Susan Gamble. Susan is also a Master Designer at the U.S. Mint.

Read more about her in this Spouse Calls Column from April.

The first medals were awarded in 2007, as noted in this Stripes story by Lisa Burgess.

The Oct. 11 Spouse Calls was written by grown-up military brats about their experiences, both good and bad. I am always interested in the perspectives of the entire military family. We often can make the best of even the worst of times.

An online article from a military town newspaper describes current military kids at their best, even if their singing was less than Idol-worthy. Read this guest column from The News-Enterprise of Hardin County Kentucky, written by the garrison commander at Fort Knox: 'Worst' rendition of anthem was 'perfect.'

You will be proud.

As pity parties go, it was a beaute -- and no one was invited but me.

I was in a post-move funk and feeling pretty sorry for myself a few weeks ago. I wrote a column about being "the new kid" and feeling alone at my daughter's open house. The response from readers was immediate. I got more letters after that column than just about any other, and some of those are featured in this week's Spouse Calls.

Most were relieved to hear that they are not alone in their loneliness. Several wrote to offer me encouragement and wisdom, and all of it taken to heart.

"Pumpkins!"

I'm sure I said it out loud -- even though I was shopping alone. I had recently had a conversation with a friend about the lack of pumpkins at the commissary. I was struck by the irony of a sign in the previously pumpkinless store that proclaimed "Pumpkin carving headquarters!" Yes, there were the implements, but not the implementees.

Until today. I walked into the commissary, and there they were in living color: brilliant orange and gold. And I have to say the timing was perfect. October has just arrived. Leaves are falling.

I did not park near the store. I was planning to grab flour and sugar and go (after paying, of course.) But once I saw them, I was determined to take those beautiful orange orbs home today!