There's something about the word Home that our men and women in the military understand better than the rest of us ever could.

The people who sacrifice the most for the rest of us to feel safe often miss out on the creature comforts we all enjoy on a daily basis.

That's why my husband and I knew we wanted to find a way to give back.

The US Naval Academy is right in over the bridge in Annapolis. They have a sponsorship program that gives students a home away from home as they adjust to their new life and rigorous training in service of our country.

Every year, only about 1600 students known as “Plebes”, enter the Academy for "Plebe Summer." These kids are gifted academically and athletically. They have to be nominated by their US Senator to be admitted to the Academy. Their Summer starts with “I Day” (Induction Day) at the end of June and consists of 7 weeks of intense physical and mental training. They report on I Day, say goodbye to their families, and are “greeted” by Detailers—upper class-men who take them through the rigors of the first day. Haircuts, uniforms, company and room assignments. At 6pm, they are sworn in as Active Duty Midshipmen.

Needless to say, it's a huge honor and privilege to go there. It's also a big responsibility.

The purpose of the Plebe Summer is to turn these young men and women from civilians into Midshipmen. Four years later upon graduation, they are either commissioned as Ensigns in the Navy or Second Lieutenants in the Marines.

Thankfully some of us are just cut from that kind of cloth.

Steve and I applied to be sponsor parents after moving back to Maryland 4 years ago. I still remember how thorough the application process was.

It was almost as though we were filling out a dating profile. We had to list our likes and dislikes, even our political preferences. They did a light background check on us to make sure we weren’t criminals. They wanted to ensure each plebe was well-suited to his or her sponsor family. The goal was to make sure everyone truly felt at home.

One of the key interests we made sure to include on the application was our interest in sports (as you probably know by know, that’s a big part of who we are).

Our hobbies included hunting, fishing, and traveling. Music genres—everything but favorites are country and classic rock. We also knew we wanted someone from the South or Mid-West. Why?

We wanted to be matched with a plebe whose hometown was a little farther away. If they were more local, we would not see them as much. We really wanted to commit to the process and to our Midshipman.

After being assigned our match, we were ready for Sponsor Day.

During Sponsor Day, they put all the sponsors on the floor of the basketball arena and seat the plebes in the stands, organized by their company. Once the sponsors get their assignment, they walk up to the company, yell out their name, and meet their plebe.

NOTE: For the 6 weeks leading up to Sponsor Day, the plebes haven't had a live conversation with anyone outside of the Academy. They can only communicate with friends and family via U.S. Mail. Sponsors are usually the first outside interaction they have.

Steve and I walked around the entire 16th Company section searching for our plebe. Come to find out, he was a football player and was not there. We had to make arrangements to see him at the practice facility.

We asked for a plebe who was sports-minded and from the South. That’s exactly who we got!

Cole, our Midshipman, is from Franklin, Tennessee. He was a quarterback and wrestler. He won state championships multiple years in both sports. His dad is a high school football coach. His mom is a nurse. He has two sisters and tons of nieces and nephews. He’s an all-around great kid.

We could not be more proud to be his sponsor family. We had the opportunity to support Cole through a pretty big transition his plebe year.

Cole had played football his whole life but something was off on the team at the Academy. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence in sports. If the culture doesn’t feel right, then nothing else seems to go right.

One of his roommates played rugby. He introduced Cole to the sport. He found his home.

Flash forward a couple years, and Cole is a starter on the Rugby team. It turns out to be the perfect sport for a bruiser that played football and wrestled his entire life. They’re a pretty fun group of guys too. A good fit for us as well!

Just two weekends ago, we were in Philadelphia watching him play in the prestigious Collegiate Rugby 7’s tournament. You probably saw it on ESPN.

We’d like to think we’ve played a big role in his smooth transition. We understand and respect how much these kids have to give up to go to school there. It's leaps and bounds beyond the sacrifice of a traditional 4-year degree program.

The joke is that the “N” on their logo doesn’t stand for “Navy”. It stands for “Not College.” That’s how different the experience is for them.

Joining the sponsorship program was our way of paying our respects to these young men and women.

These kids are the best and brightest from across the country. They are new to the area. They can’t go home to do laundry or eat a home cooked meal. They are going through a very tough time. The feeling that “home” provides is more needed than ever.

We were happy to meet that need in any way we could. We were also thrilled to discover we had formed a life-long relationship along the way.

I often have a similar feeling with the clients I work with and serve at Benson & Mangold Real Estate.

Not every one is new to the area but many are buying a home in a neighborhood they have never lived in and are unfamiliar with. They have specific requirements about where they will live but are unsure how to meet those needs.

Whether they want to be by the metro, close to a commuter route or in a remote area away from it all, it’s our job to find the perfect home for them — every time.

In the end, with all the contract negotiations, paperwork and competition on the market today, you have to really want what’s best for your buyers (just like we did with our Midshipman) to make the magic happen.

Buying a house is one thing. Finding someone a “home” is something entirely different.

There is a never-ending list of questions you have to answer to find the perfect fit. Is it best to be close to major highways? Should we make a decision based on school districts? Do we want a one-level home or would two-level living better suit our needs?

Of course, not all criteria can be met at one time. Most buyers understand they have to make a choice somewhere. There is something they will have to give up or sacrifice along the way. Where they draw the line can make all the difference.

It’s my job to help them figure out what is a must-have and what is a nice-to-have. It’s also my job to stick with them until they find the perfect match.

Just like Steve and I did with Cole while he was finding his way at the Academy and onto the Rugby team.

Whether you’re a military-minded athlete or a buyer looking for a place to settle down and spend the next 20 to 30 years, we all want to fit into our community and to feel truly at home.

Let me help you in that process.

Until next month,

Courtney