Tonia M. Oldham, Author Of 'Life Beyond Adversities' Chosen As Finalist For '50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading'

    WILMINGTON, NC, December 03, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Tonia Oldham, author of 'Life Beyond Adversities' has been chosen as a finalist for '50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading'. Winners will appear in this years edition of the book. Tonia Oldham was chosen as the result of an essay submission to the awards contest.

An encouraging, inspirational, spirit-filled, and at times, funny book that highlights Tonia's real life-changing experiences, 'Life Beyond Adversities' will take the reader on a military and spiritual journey where Tonia traveled the country as a singer and a dancer in the military. She encountered many bumps in the road, as well as exhilarating experiences, such as getting selected for that prestigious entertainment group, Air Force Tops in Blue. Her journey also entails many adversities and obstacles, but she did not allow them to impede or stifle her plans, hopes and dreams. Instead, she used them as a springboard to catapult her to bigger and better things, such as getting promoted to Chief Master Sergeant and living a more peaceful and spirit-filled life. In spite of illnesses, divorce, racism and sexual harassment, she continues to live her life beyond adversities.

"I wrote this book because I wanted to share my real life experiences and the challenges I endured before, during and after serving almost 24 years in the Air Force. I want my readers to find hope and inspiration from the manner in which I persevered through illness, divorce, racism, sexual harassment, verbal abuse and at times, lack of faith. This book illustrates how my singing, Christian upbringing, and God's Holy Word helped me to overcome many of the adversities I faced during my adult life. After reading this book, the reader will be encouraged to live beyond life's adversities and achieve the victory."

Tonia reached a huge milestone when she enlisted in the Air Force and was eventually selected for promotion to the highest enlisted rank, Chief Master Sergeant. Only the top 1 percent of all enlisted members achieves this rank. Her military travels took her to various locations, which include the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Air Staff at the Pentagon, Washington DC; The Air Force Personnel Center, Randolph Air Force Base, TX; and Headquarters United States Air Forces in Europe, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. She also served at Chanute Air Force Base, IL; Robins Air Force Base, GA; Castle Air Force Base, CA; and Kelly Air Force Base, TX. Tonia's military decorations and awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medals, Air Force Commendation Medals, Air Staff Senior NCO of the Year, NCO of the Year and many other awards and recognitions.

Tonia traveled extensively as a member of the prestigious Air Force Tops in Blue entertainment showcase. Tonia was judged by and shared the stage with many professional and famous entertainers. She also traveled the country singing the National Anthem for top-ranking military officials, political appointees, civic organizations, as well as professional and collegiate sporting events. Additionally, she sang the National Anthem five consecutive years for the Detroit Tigers during their spring training opening games against the Florida Southern College Moccasin Baseball team.

Immediately following her military retirement, Tonia served in numerous capacities at a Fortune 500 company. This company afforded her the opportunity to give personal financial management presentations to students at colleges and universities in the eight southeastern states. This company also paved the way for her to use her speaking and singing talents at numerous locations in the United States.

Tonia Oldham is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at [email protected]. Books are available at Amazon. Members of the public who wish to vote may do so at The Authors Show site. More information is available at Tonia Oldham's website.

Tonia M. Oldham is a speaker, lecturer, singer and encourager. She is a native of Lakeland, FL and graduated from Kathleen Senior High School. She received Associate Degrees from the Community College of the Air Force and the Insurance Institute of America. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Education from Wayland Baptist University and an MBA from Saint Leo University. Currently, she is employed as a Human Resources professional at Florida Southern College in the Department of Military Science.

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