SSG Elizabeth Bohle

U.S. Army

Sanford, North Carolina

Born and raised into a family with a strong military background, Liz enlisted in the Army on her 17th birthday, in 1997. Growing up in Kansas ingrained a love of the outdoors and agriculture.   After completing Basic Training at Fort Jackson, SC, Liz was stationed at Fort Hood, TX. There she met PFC Bradley Bohle and they were married in July 2000.

In June of 2007, Liz decided to end her ten-year military career and return to college. She and Brad had two young daughters, Braelyn, 3 1/2, and Jocelyn, 18 months. Liz wanted to pursue a career in teaching that would allow her to find a job wherever they were stationed. Brad was within months of completing the “Q” course as a Special Forces Medic and they wanted to ensure one of them would always be with their children.

On September 16, 2009 Brad was on his second deployment to Afghanistan when his Humvee struck an improvised explosive device (IED). Brad was killed instantly along with two other teammates.  Liz was in her final semester at Fayetteville State University working toward a B.S. in Physical Education and Health.  Liz graduated in May of 2010 with the love and encouragement of friends and family.

Life as a Gold Star wife is a unique challenge. Liz wanted her daughters to remain close to the military and chose to stay in their Sanford, NC home. Moving forward in life, Liz met and began dating MSG Joe Higginbotham.

Joe is a country boy from Monroe, Louisiana. He grew up hunting, fishing, and exploring the outdoors. He has served in the US Army for 22 years and will retire in July 2017. Joe has several combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Together they are raising Braelyn and Jocelyn in a family full of strong military tradition and deep-rooted faith. Liz is a full-time Sustainable Agriculture student and Joe remains on active duty.