Valerie Ormond's Thoughts On …

Writing Tips from Valerie Ormond

Tag: Navy

  • Salute to Veterans

    As we approach Veterans Day, I wanted to share a special news report where I had the honor of telling part of my story. Melanie Hastings, a news anchor at the local Washington, DC, NBC News affiliate had come across my story online and asked if she could interview me.

    Of course I said yes, and she couldn’t have been more gracious, kind, and easy to work with.

    I sincerely appreciated Melanie Hastings, WJLA, and their Salute to Veterans series for making that such a special Veterans Day for my family, my friends, and me. And most importantly, I hope it then reached, and will now reach, veterans who will decide to write their stories.

    Here’s the story…please forgive the “hot mic” moment in the middle.

  • Untold Stories

    K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune, Jan. 3, 2022

    This month, the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN deployed with the first female commander in charge of an aircraft carrier in history, Capt. Amy Capt. Bauernschmidt. I had a personal connection to this event from my Navy career dating back to 1995. I recently wrote a related story for the Military Writers Society of America (MWSA) Untold Stories anthology, which starts:

    “The term ‘pioneer’ conjures up images of early settlers venturing out West taking risks for new beginnings. I never saw myself as a pioneer but found myself among a group of pioneers as one of the first women to deploy on a combat aircraft carrier.”

    The story ends with a salute to Capt. Bauernschmidt, and those who follow her, for continuing the adventure and pioneering more new beginnings.

    (more…)

  • Profiles In Success

    I was honored to be a guest on Gordon Bernhardt’s Profiles In Success podcast. Gordon has been interviewing leaders since 2010, highlighting their individual journeys and stories. Here is a short video answering his question about advice for other small business owners.

    It was a pleasure to meet with such a seasoned professional and answer questions that made me think hard. We spoke about entrepreneurship, the Navy, horses, books, mentors, and life. I loved the title he chose after the interview: “Where Roads Less Traveled May Lead You.” Here are the links to the full podcast, and thanks to Gordon once again.