“They Make Everything So Easy”: How Corvias Turns Resident Service into Community
A spouse’s unexpected return to on-post housing became a story of comfort and belonging
When Corvias military community residents visit their local neighborhood center, it’s usually because they need something. Susan Laferriere shows up to give something.
Cupcakes. Sandwiches, salad, pizza. You name it.
“They’re always there for residents when you need them,” Susan said. “I’ll put a bowl or a tray together because it’s just one small way of letting them know we appreciate them too.”
A Special Closeness
Susan’s close relationship with Corvias’ onsite community team at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), MD, began at one of the most difficult moments of her life.
She arrived eight years ago, soon after her husband, Bruce, passed away. A retired Army Colonel, Bruce served for 28 years. As a military spouse, Susan knew how to start over during his service years. Starting over without him was different, and overwhelming at times.
Still grieving and trying to begin again, Susan wasn’t thinking about putting down roots.
But as her early weeks at APG turned in to months, she found reasons to stay. What began as a place to land during a difficult transition gradually shifted to a place where life felt easier and she felt connected to the people around her.
Corvias Teams Step Up
“Being here improved and simplified my life tenfold,” Susan said. “I know my home is taken care of, and I have a community around me. The Corvias teams are kind, accommodating and people you can count on. Having that kind of peace of mind means everything.”
The power of Susan’s relationship with Corvias was demonstrated two years ago, when she underwent an organ transplant. Her lease came up for renewal during her recovery, and Corvias employees made the process easier by handling the paperwork and the rest of the process with her inside her home.
On another occasion, her kitchen sink clogged on an Easter Sunday. A maintenance employee arrived in less than an hour to fix it.
“They make everything so easy,” Susan said.
Susan says she values the conveniences of on-post living, from being able to not just have her beloved dog, Mr. “Bowtie” Frank, with her, but taking him to an on-site dog park, one of several amenities at Corvias APG community.
Susan’s satisfaction with her overall living experience is reflected more broadly throughout Corvias communities in the Army’s 2026 Tenant Satisfaction Survey, where overall satisfaction for family housing increased for the fourth consecutive year.
The Importance of Community to Military Families
Corvias Resident Manager Ann Fleming sees what those results can mean on a personal level.
“Being surrounded by people who understand the unique experience of being a military spouse and the military lifestyle creates a sense of connection we want every resident to feel at Corvias,” Fleming said. “It’s special and not something easily found off post.”
Seeing that personal commitment firsthand inspired Susan to give back, something she traces to her years as an Army officer’s wife, and the reason for her impromptu visits bearing goodies.
“She’s a joy to be around,” says Ann. “We love when we see her come through the door.”
Eight years after arriving for what she thought would be a temporary stay, Susan now considers the people who helped make it home part of her own community.
“Part of being a commander’s wife, you have to take care of your folks,” Susan said. “They’re my people now.”