NAVAL WARSHIP HIDDEN TREASURE

About this book Active-duty families face unique challenges that can cause stress and unease, especially for their young children who do not understand or won't accept the frequent disruptions in their day-to-day lives. Easing children's fears and explaining why parents cannot always be home is the message this book conveys.

When anyone serves our great nation, far from home, the rest of their family must be resilient --especially the children. Unique –Not Weird! is the first book in a series about speaking with children about a difficult situation – race and ethnicity. Naval Warship Hidden Treasure is the second book about the contributions and sacrifices made by military children and their families. We rarely encounter stories about the challenges experienced by female Sailors as they simultaneously balance military obligations with parenting. Here, we share some of our family dynamics, parenting philosophy, and authentic dialogue with our 5-year-old daughter as she relates with her daddy and reacts to her mother's absence because of frequent ship underway or overseas responsibilities. In our house, my husband Eric retired after 26 years of faithful military service. And, I am still active duty, serving as a military chaplain. Many women deployed, or going underway on naval ships, are also wives and mothers. The entire family serves when a military member serves. Yet, there were times outside of the military community, where these sacrifices are deemed admirable when made by "hero" dads. Moms, however, don't always enjoy that praise without some questioning: "How could a mother choose to leave her children?" I've even heard that criticism from well-meaning acquaintances. Together, my husband and I constantly work to teach our daughter we value her sacrifice and appreciate her contributions. Strategically, we seek ways to include her in the decision-making process and let her voice be heard. We're empowering our Little Doo-Doo to make better choices, cultivating a family culture of respect and kindness. It's to the brave active-duty female Sailors that this book is dedicated to. I honor your sacrifice in service to your country. You are amazing! Hopefully, this first book will give you and your families' new insight and inspiration. You are not alone!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Dr. Regina A. Johnson Naval Officer, Public Speaker, Life Coach, Author, Self-Publisher, Little Doo-Doo: A Better Tomorrow visionary and CEO/Owner/Founder of EOJ Publishing and Bookgasm Store. Regina, originally from Brazil, holds a Doctorate in Ministry from the Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, Massachusetts. She earned a master's degree in Counseling Psychology & Addictions at Cambridge College in Massachusetts. Regina has always viewed challenges as opportunities. Since coming to this country more than 30 years ago, she used her talents to serve the community in multiple areas, including working as a mental health and substance abuse counselor. She considers it a privilege to be in a land that not only allows but encourages her to have a voice. She understands we are a nation bound not by race or religion, but by the shared values of freedom, liberty, and equality. In becoming a United States citizen, Regina learned that throughout our history, the U.S welcomed newcomers from around the world. Immigrants helped shape and define the country we know today. Their contributions have preserved our legacy as a land of freedom and opportunity. Regina wanted to get involved on a deeper level to ensure that America remains free and prosperous. It was that gratitude and desire to give back that motivated Regina to join the U.S. Navy, where she currently serves as an active duty chaplain. While the Navy is her vocation, her passion is writing. Sparked by the birth of her daughter Orlanda -- most known as Little Doo-Doo -- Regina uses her daughter's curiosity, behavior, and questions as inspiration in writing children's stories. Her civic action and public service are a validation of John F. Kennedy's historic words. "Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country."