Tough Economy Prompts Single Mother To Join Navy
FRISCO (CBSDFW.COM) – With the national unemployment rate at 8.2 percent, single mother Heather Morris took drastic measures to give her son and herself a chance at a better future.
She's heading to boot camp soon.
"Physically, I'm ready for it," the 38-year-old said. "Mentally and emotionally, I'm not quite sure how to process it."
The Navy will train her as an Aviation Computer Specialist. And boot camp means she won't see her son.
"Going about two months without seeing him or not being able to talk to him maybe once a week is going to be tough," she said.
Morris signed up for the military when she found herself unemployed despite two degrees and 15 years of marketing experience. To save on rent, they've been staying with friends.
"So, it's near future security as well as for future security for when he goes to college," she said.
Those they've been staying with are supportive and confident in Morris' abilities.
"Definitely very proud of her and I know she'll do great," said friend Mary Boggs.
And Morris got the OK from the voice that may matter most: Her 8-year-old son.
"She's a strong woman and she's very caring so she'll always be nice to people," Tristan said.
And now, her Navy classmates have already given her a nickname.
"Yep, Mother Hen," she said. "That's pretty much what it's going to be, I bet."
Well, Mother Hen's been working out about two hours a day. Morris said she doesn't mind the nickname as long as she can still beat them on the track.
Morris leaves for boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Station in June. Tristan will stay with his father.
Morris will then train for her job in Pensicola, Fla., and she said she hopes to bring Tristan to stay with her parents there.
