BY STEVE CRAIN

Special to The Pilot

Kim Coonrad, of Aberdeen, leads "Holding Up the Home Front," a group for "military wives" that meets at Grace Church in Southern Pines.

"I've led the group for a year," Coonrad says. "We want to provide great support, new friendships and spiritual guidance. Our purpose is to bring about mature relationships in Christ Jesus and 'be there' in support while husbands are gone."

About 15 women attend the group, though 30 are enrolled, she says.

"One big concern is that the women know someone 'has their backs,' know there's someone to call if their kids get sick or they get sick and need help," she says.

Coonrad's husband, Major Jeremy Coonrad, serves as a pilot for the Air Force. He grew up in Wasilla, Alaska, and graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy. Kim Coonrad grew up in Little Rock, Ark. They have three children, Annie, Emma and Ashton.

For information about Grace Church fellowship groups, call David Pratt, prayer/life groups pastor, at (910) 692-6711 or visit www.gracechurchsp.org.