Today we published our exciting list of the Most Powerful Moms in the Military. When you read about these military moms you will feel, I suspect, like I did when I gave my balance seekers workshop to the women of the U.S. Navy, Marines and Coast Guard a week ago: proud of their strength and astonished by their work life balance challenges.

There were 951 women at the Sea Services Leadership Association Conference. These US military women came from all over the country and around the world for 2 days of leadership training, networking and mentoring. When Major General Angela Salinas of the Marines (USMC) gave her keynote address I knew I was in for a great day. She was bold, original and really, really funny. She told of how she joined the Marines when she was a brash young woman because of a good looking recruiter, and how this unexpected encounter changed her life (pictured here).

Six women were being honored for their service, including several moms. Two of the awardees had just returned from a tour in Afghanistan where they were engaged in building relationships one-on-one with Afghan women.

At my workshop I gave heaps of advice: how to be comfortable asking for help; using straight talk to communicate needs; putting guilt aside; how to build your Home Team.

The women in my workshop were not afraid to ask questions or tell their stories. They asked about how to handle dual military careers, often with spouses in a different branch of service. They talked about deployments away from their children. They wanted to know if they were doing right by their families.

After a very engaged discussion the workshop ended and a line of women waited to speak to me privately. A pregnant woman told me she was worried about her next assignment, and time she would have to spend away from her soon to be three children under age 6. She said my examination of why we work helped her reconnect to her pride in providing a good life for her family. But I had a difficult time knowing what to say to a mom who told me that her husband had just returned from Afghanistan disabled, needing care. She was overwhelmed because in addition to her Navy position she was already caring for their young son, who was born with disabilities.

If you know a mom or dad in the military, reach out to them and let them know you care, want to support them and have great respect for their talent and service. For those of you serving-please write your stories below.

I'm so proud of our Most Powerful Moms in the Military. I know you will be as well.

Pictured: Major General Angela Salinas of the Marines (USMC)