Life Beyond Adversities...Memoirs of a Military Chief

by Tonia M. Oldham

Overview

An encouraging, inspirational, spirit-filled, and at times, funny book that highlights Tonia's real life-changing experiences. This memoir will take the reader on a military and spiritual journey where Tonia traveled the country as a member of the military, a singer and a dancer. She encountered many bumps in the road, as well as exhilarating experiences. She could not believe she was about to experience her "it" moment, dancing with Bones or getting selected for that prestigious entertainment group, Air Force Tops in Blue. Her journey also entails many adversities and obstacles, but she did not allow them to impede or stifle her plans, hopes and dreams. Instead, she used them as a springboard to catapult her to bigger and greater things, such as getting promoted to Chief Master Sergeant in less than 20 years and living a more peaceful and spirit-filled life. Tonia knew that with God all things are possible and eventually relied on the religious foundations she received as a child. She recognized the joy that can be realized from serving God. She also uses the Trinity Approach, The Father, Son and the Holy Ghost to help her overcome and achieve the victory. In spite of illnesses, divorce, racism, sexual harassment, and verbal abuse, she continues to live her life beyond adversities.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940148839729
Publisher:	First Edition Design Publishing
Publication date:	10/30/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	224
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Tonia M. Oldham is a speaker, lecturer, singer and encourager. She is a native of Lakeland, FL and graduated from Kathleen Senior High School. She received Associate Degrees from the Community College of the Air Force and the Insurance Institute of America. She received a Bachelor's Degree from Wayland Baptist University and an MBA from Saint Leo University.
Tonia began her career as a cashier at Winn Dixie and reached a huge milestone when she enlisted in the Air Force and was eventually selected for promotion to the highest enlisted rank, Chief Master Sergeant. Only the top 1 percent of all enlisted members achieves this rank. Her military travels took her to various locations, which include the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Air Staff at the Pentagon; The Air Force Personnel Center at Randolph AFB, TX; and HQ USAFE at Ramstein AB, Germany. Tonia's military decorations and awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medals, Air Force Commendation Medals, and many other awards and recognitions.
Tonia traveled extensively as a member of the prestigious Air Force Tops in Blue entertainment group. Tonia was judged by and shared the stage with many professional and famous entertainers. She also traveled the country singing the National Anthem for top-ranking military officials, an astronaut, political appointees, civic organizations, and during professional and collegiate sporting events.
Tonia allowed her singing, Christian upbringing, and God's Holy Word to help her overcome many of the adversities she faced during her adult life. She shares her personal testimony and the challenges she endured before, during and after serving in the military. She wants her readers to find hope and inspiration by referring to God's Word and reading her personal testimony.
Tonia and her husband Charles have four grown children and reside in Lakeland, FL. They attend Pilgrim Rest Free Will Baptist Church in Lakeland and Tonia currently works at Florida Southern College in the Department of Military Science in Human Resources.