Ginger Gilbert Ravella

Ginger Gilbert Ravella is a military wife and widow, mother of five, stepmother of two, author and international speaker. At 36 years old, she faced the sudden tragic loss of her college-sweetheart husband in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Her late husband, Major Troy Gilbert, an Air Force F-16 pilot, gave his life while saving over twenty Special Operation soldiers, defining a true American war hero. His remains were tragically taken from the crash site by Iraqi insurgents, which ultimately led to the most unprecedented and captivating story of recovery in U.S. military history. Major Gilbert left behind five beautiful children, all under the age of 9 years old. Ginger’s openly genuine testimony of wrestling with God in the midst of despair and depression resonates with those who question their faith and future in the face of tragedy. Their private pain became front-page news time and time again over the amazing ten-year journey of bringing Troy home to U.S. soil.  Ginger has appeared in venues such as “The O’Reilly Factor”, “Fox and Friends News”, TIME Magazine, “CNN’s The Lead with Jake Tapper”, The Golf Channel, USA Today, Air Force Times, Discovery Channel “Operation Healing Heroes”, Gary Sinise documentary “Lt. Dan Band - For the Common Good”, Stars and Stripes, NRA TV documentary with Lee Brice “This is My Cause”, CMT News, NBC’s TODAY in Nashville, PGA Magazine, numerous podcasts such as The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey, Pardon the Mess, Nothing is Wasted, and numerous other national radio interviews. Ginger works tirelessly to minister to widows as the Director of Never Alone Widows of Heroes Retreats, as well as supporting and raising funds for numerous veteran non-profits. She is an ambassador for the Gary Sinise Foundation in addition to being an accomplished speaker and multi-published author. Ginger is devoted to her God, her family and her country. Ginger is remarried to widower and USAF fighter pilot, Colonel (Ret) Jim Ravella, who lost his wife to breast cancer. Their profound inspirational memoir, titled “Hope Found”, is a collection of personal stories beautifully woven together with real-life struggles, vulnerable faith and unshakable patriotism. This unforgettable book documents their suffering and loss, yet highlights the lessons they learned, and their path to finding joy again. Ginger’s personal mission is two-fold: to encourage anyone who feels hopeless to find peace and purpose even when life is the most painful and to continue serving her country by helping those who serve. Ginger and Jim are nearly empty nesting after raising their blended family of nine. They currently reside in Franklin, TN.