Recruit Sustainment Program Specialist, NJ Army National Guard; Sea Girt, NJ
Children: Douglas and Deven, 16; Sydney, 13 ♦ Husband: Michael Scelfo

Why We Love Her
More than once, PJ has heard her children brag that their mom is doing her part to serve the country as a civilian who helps the soldiers in the New Jersey Army National Guard. In fact, her sons say they can’t wait to join and serve their country, too. For her part, PJ’s daughter encourages people to buy Girl Scout cookies for the troops in Iraq, then sends boxes there. PJ is also a patriot in her own community, says her sister: “She’s the mom who stands up to the board of education when they’re going to cut a good program or do something downright stupid.”

Q: Do your children know what mommy does for a living?

A: Oh yes they do. They are very proud to tell their friends that I work for the New Jersey Army National Guard. They tell their friends that I am doing my part to serve the country as a civilian that helps the soldiers. As a matter of fact, my sons can’t wait to join. They know that they might receive a little extra heat during drill weekends because I work there, but they can’t wait to serve their country.
 
Q: What’s your best tip for keeping your home life running smoothly?

A: Allowing others to help you. The running joke in our house is “I can’t do it all.” I could not do half of what I do without my entire family there to help me out. Hillary Clinton hit the nail on the head when she said, “It takes a village to raise a child.”

Q: What does balance mean to you?

A: Balance means not being stressed out that you can’t be everywhere all of the time. Do what you can when you can. That’s all anyone can ask of you so why ask more of yourself.