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Spouse Symposium |
Ann Crossley is the author of The Army Wife Handbook, and primary co-author of The Air Force Wife Handbook. Ann brings to her writing a lifetime with the Army. She grew up as an Army daughter, then married her college sweetheart when he was a second lieutenant and followed him around the world while his career took him to numerous command assignments and the rank of brigadier general. Ann is a graduate of the University of Georgia, with a BS degree in Home Economics. While her husband was on assignment in Washington, D.C., Ann studied protocol, etiquette, and entertaining from the nationally famous Dorothea Johnson, and at the Foreign Service Institute.
In addition to a vast background of volunteer work, Ann often took time to share her knowledge of military traditions and manners with others. She has spoken to officers’ and NCO wives’ clubs, commanders’ wives, teenagers, officer professional development classes, and American Women’s Activities in Germany (AWAG) Conference delegates. In recognition of her service, in 1988 Ann was awarded the Department of Army Certificate of Appreciation for Patriotic Civilian Service.
Ann began her writing career after her husband's retirement. The Army book, first published in 1990, is in its second edition and eighth printing; the Air Force book, published in 1992, is in its seventh printing. Combined, these books have sold over 50,000 copies, and provided gentle “how-to” guidance to military wives. In acknowledgment of these accomplishments, Ann has twice been named in Who’s Who of American Women. Currently, she writes the “Ask Ann” column for Military Spouse magazine.
Upon her husband’s retirement from the Army, they made what they thought would be their last move, to Sarasota, Florida. There they built a lovely home, and enjoyed the sun and beach for ten years. Then their daughter married and began having their long-awaited grandchildren, so once again they packed up and moved, this time to Marietta, Georgia, to be near them.