Thank you to the Sugar Bear Foundation for this wonderful opportunity to work with Sarah Davis. I decided to apply for the coaching scholarship because it’s been a struggle for me to find my purpose in life after loss. I’ve always had a drive and was fortunate to still have a successful career even as a military wife until the unexpected happened. My husband, USMC Major James Brophy, was killed along with five other Marines in an aviation training mishap on December 6, 2018 off the coast of Japan. My two children will always be my top priority but my outlook on life has changed and now I’m on a mission to find my purpose as I journey forward.

I knew eventually I wanted to do meaningful work but wasn’t sure what that looked like until I recently created a website (www.goldstarfamilyresources.com); centralizing resources for Gold Star families that provides guidance, checklists, and blog posts written from my own experience and perspective. My hope is to provide clarity and guidance for anyone that goes through this unimaginable process.

Through my coaching I hope to gain a better awareness of my personal strengths as a leader so that I can better serve the Gold Star family community with my career goal as a Survivor Advocate. Stay tuned for this new chapter as I keep going and keep growing!

Much love and gratitude,

Erica Brophy, Gold Star Wife
Founder of Gold Star Family Resources
https://www.goldstarfamilyresources.com/

Last family pic together was taken in Japan Nov 2018

Picture of James was taken in Iwo Jima in Sept 2018

Final Marine Corps ball pic taken in Nov 2018