A Heartfelt Tribute to Surface Warfare Officers and Their Families
My Mommy, My SWO (Surface Warfare Officer) is a beautifully written and illustrated story that honors the unique bond between Surface Warfare Officers in the United States Navy, their children, and the sacrifices these families make.
Illustrated by Olena Taranenko, this book offers a heartfelt glimpse into the lives of Navy families, helping children understand and appreciate the important role their parents play in service to their country.
Told through the eyes of a child, My Mommy, My SWO vividly portrays the adventures, pride, and challenges faced by Navy families. The story follows the child of a Naval Officer, who shares tales of their SWO mom's exciting missions and the realities of deployment with friends. Through tearful goodbyes, heartfelt letters, and joyous homecomings, this book captures the essence of life as a Navy family.
With detailed illustrations of real Navy ships, modern uniforms like the Navy 2POC, and vessels such as the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS), this book brings the Navy experience to life for young readers. It’s an ideal resource for explaining deployment and underways to children while fostering family pride and connection.
A Portion of Sales Makes a Difference
The MY HERO Fund dedicates 5% of profits from the My HERO Collection to purchasing prescription glasses for children of active-duty service members, making every purchase meaningful.
Praise for My Mommy, My SWO
“This book beautifully captures the pride and challenges of Navy life, creating a heartfelt connection between children and their military parents. It is a meaningful tool for fostering understanding and appreciation within military families.”
– CAPT (Ret.) Bud Weeks
Director of Navigation, Seamanship, and Shiphandling, Surface Warfare Schools Command
About the Author
Matthew E. Miller is a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy. Originally from Frankfort, Kentucky, he now resides in San Diego, California, with his wife Jaclyn, an audiologist serving active-duty service members. Together, they are raising two boys, Mason and Hayden, alongside their dog, Olivia. Inspired by their experiences as a Navy family, Matthew created My SWO for his oldest son to explain why sometimes he has to go away. My SWO sparked a creative frenzy leading Matt to create an the My Mommy, My Daddy Series and ultimately the creation of My Hero.
About the Illustrator
Olena Taranenko, a talented Ukrainian children's book illustrator, brought this story to life while personally understanding the meaning of sacrifice. During the creation of this book, her town was attacked by Russian forces, and the project was paused until she safely relocated, demonstrating her resilience and commitment to her art even in the face of unimaginable challenges.
