We at Keys Weekly want to honor the men and women serving in our local military installations as well as the spouses who support them and the children who also live a military lifestyle. With help and advice from our community members in the armed forces, we’re proud to present our Military Spotlight.
This week features one of those military spouses, Danica Zanetti, who is married to U.S. Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Michael Zanetti.
Since her husband received his Florida Keys assignment, Danica has volunteered with military children, raised money for Christmas gifts for foster kids and helped collect more than 600 pounds of food for needy residents. Danica personally sewed more than 100 COVID masks and helped organize a community sewing effort that resulted in 900 masks.
DANICA ZANETTI (wife of CWO3 MICHAEL ZANETTI, U.S. COAST GUARD)
How many years has your spouse (and your family) been in the military? Just over 18 years and it has flown by so quickly. We’ve been stationed in California, Michigan, Virginia, Alabama, Connecticut, Puerto Rico and now Florida. My dad served in the Air Force my entire childhood so I’ve been fortunate to have lived in so many different places. My childhood experiences prepared me for life as a military wife.
Had you ever been to Key West and the Florida Keys before your current assignment?
Never! My husband went to Key West years ago for temporary duty and really enjoyed it. Before this assignment, the farthest south in Florida I had ever been was Cocoa Beach during high school.
Did you choose Key West or were you assigned here? Key West was our top pick. We fell in love with warm weather and the island lifestyle while in Puerto Rico for three years. We wanted to continue that lifestyle.
What were your first thoughts when hearing you were coming to the Keys? We were excited and started extensively researching the area. We were happy to learn we could live in base housing, which enabled our young children to have safety and security while running freely with lots of neighborhood kids.
Hobbies? Women’s Bible studies, interior design, sewing, organizing and helping my children with baseball and softball.
Favorite things to do? Drinking coffee; long talks with friends, spending time with my family, going to the beach.
What do you like most about the Keys? The laid-back lifestyle and small-town feeling. I didn’t think Key West would be so family-oriented, but once we got involved in local sports and church, we discovered that Key West is actually very family-centered and there is always something to do. The wildlife and water activities are endless and there is always a beautiful sunset to enjoy. I love the baseball and softball programs that are offered in Key West. Our children are so fortunate to be involved in such dedicated and well-coached programs.
What would you change about life in Key West if you had the power to do so? I would love to see more shopping choices. While it’s great to support local businesses, there’s no replacing Target.
Any advice for other military spouses? Enjoy where you are! There is always going to be something you can complain about, but that just ruins the time you’ve been given. You can always find the good in every place you live. Get involved and pour yourself into the local community. Try to do at least one great, lasting thing in each place you are stationed.
