These Veterans are Squared Away

Squared Away is a team of over 100 military spouse and veteran teammates. For the 4th of July, the celebration of America’s Independence, we’re highlighting those who served to defend our freedom.

Kelsey Opel
SquaredAway
5 min readJun 29, 2020

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Polly Schaefer

Military Experience

Polly has been in the Army Reserve for 8 years. She enlisted as an 88M (Motor Transport Operator — Fancy for truck driver!) in 2012 and she received her commission in 2016 from New Mexico State University. Commissioning means the individual becomes an Officer in the military.

Polly commissioned in the Transportation Corps and then did a branch transfer (changed from one role to another in the Army Reserves) to the Adjutant General Corps (Human Resources). She is currently serving as a Battalion S-1 serving 81 soldiers.

Tell us About Yourself!

Polly is originally from Maryland, but has lived in New Mexico, North Carolina, Arizona, and currently Alaska. She loves the culture of the Southwest.

What brought you to Squared Away?

As a military spouse I needed to find something that was mine! When we found out we were moving Alaska I was pretty upset I had to leave my full-time job in NC (it took me 2 years to find that job!). I was tired of restarting every 2–3 years. SA gives me the flexibility to be there for my family while also maintaining my own identity!”

Silke Tietje

Military Experience

Silke served as a Logistics Readiness Officer (5 years active duty Air Force, 15 years Air Force Reserve). She retired from the Air Force in June of 2019.

Tell Us About Yourself!

Silke is currently married to a B-52 pilot, they both attended the United States Air Force Academy. In her spare time she is a gymnastics judge and loves to hang out with her 4 rescue pets (2 dogs and 2 cats). This year, Silke’s son will be a sophomore at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX.

What brought you to Squared Away?

“I was looking for a work from home opportunity and saw Squared Away mentioned in the Barksdale AFB Spouses FaceBook page and was intrigued. The rest is history ;)”

Morganne Cook

Military Experience

Morganne spent her time in the Army as a Logistics Officer. She managed the transportation of basic supplies like fuel, water, food, medical supplies, and ammunition. Morganne also worked with Soldiers that were mechanics and vital to keeping vehicles and equipment up and running.

Tell Us About Yourself!

Morganne can be found spending time with her family and running marathons! She hopes to run the Boston Marathon in 2021!

What brought you to Squared Away?

“I joined Squared Away because it offered an opportunity to continue to help others behind the scenes while providing stability during our countless moves across the country.”

Charlee Venable

Military Experience

Charlee proudly served in the USAF for over 11 years primarily as a C-17 Crew Chief, though she served in other capacities such as Flying Crew Chief, Maintenance Training Instructor, and CAG & GCC member/Assistant NCOIC. Charlee had always planned to serve 20 years, but she and her husband soon learned how challenging it was to have a family while being a dual military couple.

Tell Us About Yourself!

Charlee decided that the best route for their family was for her to separate after having their first child. While she loved being home with their son (& now daughter), she found herself looking for ways to maintain her own identity separate from mom & wife.

What brought you to Squared Away?

“I became interested in working with Squared Away because I love what the company is all about. I love that Michelle started this company after experiencing the many hardships facing military spouses, many of which I was unaware of while serving on active duty.

Whether it’s a deployment, PCS, TDY, etc. we face so many challenges when it comes to having a career of our own and I love working for a company that not only understands that but helps us find ways to overcome those challenges and thrive.”

Elizabeth (Ellie) Chomoa

Military Experience

Ellie is a Marine Science Technician in the United States Coast Guard. They work on coastal prevention and pollution in our waters, on vessels, containers, and facilities.

Tell Us About Yourself!

Ellie attended Arizona State for her Bachelors in Science majoring in Business. Currently, she is living in Puerto Rico and you can find her on the beach any given day snorkeling, surfing, or swimming!

What brought you to Squared Away?

“I found Squared Away a month before a PCS (permanent change of station). Scared to death of unemployment while going to an OCONUS (out of country) location, I sought out the wonderful opportunity of never having to change jobs again because of a PCS. One year later, I am still glad I have the amazing opportunity to help people remotely. Very grateful for the job I have today at Squared Away. :)”

We’ve Got Your Six

Squared Away is comprised of military spouses who are your trusted assistants. We help CEOs, VCs, executives, and startup teams get their time back. US-based. #SquaredAwayLife #ChiefExecutiveAssistant

Drop by our social media and say hi👋 Instagram, Twitter & Facebook.

If you’re ready to get Squared Away, visit us at GoSquaredAway.com or grab some time for a call.

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Kelsey Opel
SquaredAway

Startup Operator // Snowboarder // Taco connoisseur. Follow along for my journey in operations and lessons learned in this territory.