Shellie Vandevoorde is a military veteran who served her country for six years and continues to be a devoted army wife and mother. During her army career she worked in the communication field. She also completed airborne and air-assault training. Shellie met her husband while in the army.

After Shellie left the army, she attended the police academy in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and became a detective.

After moving to Savannah, Georgia, Shellie wrote her book, Separated by Duty, United in Love.

Shellie is an active volunteer at a number of organizations. At family readiness, she is a certified instructor for family team building and involved in company, battalion, and division leadership committees. She continues ongoing family support training and conventions within the military.

Shellie has been a guest speaker for National Women's History Month as well as the United States Special Operations Family Readiness Conference. She has received several volunteer awards including the "Outstanding Civilian Service Award" from the United States Army.

As a military spouse, a working mother, a volunteer, and one who has lived in a long-distance relationship, Shellie offers a no-nonsense guide to getting the most out of your relationship. Sharing her experiences as well as those of hundreds of others who have survived long-distance relationships, Shellie continues to serve the people of this great nation with this book.

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"This book is dedicated to all the brave, wonderful military families and the sacrifices they make every day; to all my friends, men and women, who offered their insights which make this book what it is; to my editor Michaela Hamilton and copy editor Bonnie Fredman, for their expertise and needed guidance; to my wonderful family for always supporting me; and to my God who inspires me."