Vance Spouse Spotlight: Danell Harrison

  • Published
  • By Sarina Houston
  • 3rd Flying Training Squadron key spouse
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  
Name: Danell Harrison

Base affiliation: My husband, Capt. Michael Harrison, is the international military student flight commander for the 71st Student Squadron and a T-6A instructor pilot with the 33rd Flying Training Squadron.

Tell us about you and your family: I love humanity, animals, nature, being green and organic. I also have intense pride in being a Washingtonian.

I've been married for six years. I met Michael at Washington State University, where we lived in the same dorms and Michael offered to carry my books for me - a classic move that worked! Go Cougs!

Our daughter, Bella, was born at Royal Air Force Lakenheath in England, and is 18 months old. Our dog, Abby, became a member of our family at seven weeks of age while Michael was in Undergraduate Pilot Training in at Laughlin Air Force Base, Del Rio, Texas.

We also have a cat named Roger -- senior cat age unknown -- who is very outgoing, high fives for treats and walks on a leash and harness. Both animals have traveled across the United States twice and have been to seven different countries.

What is your educational background? I have a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Master of Education degree. I'm certified to teach K-12 Health and Physical Education. My master's thesis topic was "Schools Role in Childhood Obesity."

Do you work? I'm a full-time mommy, but I l like to refer to myself as an "educational and events coordinator." I despise the term "stay-at-home mom." I most definitely don't stay home.

Do you have any hobbies? I just started a new hobby/business called "La Belle Bella" making handmade upcycled burlap couture bags and I will be selling them at the Enid Farmers Market starting May 11. Look for me on Facebook or Etsy.com.

In addition, I am an obsessed alpine skier. I love to run, hike and am desperately trying to learn the art of photography.

Do you volunteer? I organize bi-monthly playgroups for the 33rd FTS little dragons and am serving as a key spouse for the 33d FTS.

What's your favorite thing about Enid? The ice storm we just had was pretty cool. The blossoms encased in ice were incredible. I recently bought cowgirl boots and I love that it is appropriate to wear them almost every day here.

The Gloss Mountain mesa plateau hike is a great escape into nature and I love the Red Dirt music scene.

Do you have any advice for spouses? My first bit of advice is to be the change you wish to see in the world. I formerly thought that was a Mahatma Gandhi quote, but it turns out it's just a bumper sticker manipulation of something he said.

But still, I think it is golden advice for a spouse in our community and speaks to the fact that we create the environment in which we live, and that is a beautifully hopeful reality.

Second, smile frequently and with wild abandon. A smile goes miles.

Sarina is the Key Spouse for the 3rd Flying Training Squadron and is married to Capt. Jacob Houston in the 3rd FTS at Vance AFB.