Meg – I grew up in Burke, went to high school with Sam at Robinson SS, and played soccer at George Mason University. Currently, I am a police officer with over 20 years under my belt. I’m looking forward to retirement—just four more years to go! I found my love for motorcycles back in 2009 and haven’t looked back. These days, I ride a Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special, which I’ve named “Scratch.”
Eric – I am a retired combat veteran (USMC & Air Force) spending my career in special operations. After my military service, I jumped right into being a firefighter/paramedic, a role I’ve been dedicated to for the last 17 years. I also love riding motorcycles alongside my wife and with my service dog, Denny, on the back of my Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic. In the last few years, I found a passion for wrenching on bikes and I’m currently rebuilding a 2007 Ultra Classic.
In 2018, we started a nonprofit called Making Everything Good (MEG). Our mission is to support first responders, veterans, their families, and the local community. One of our main projects is providing transportation for first responders and veterans who need help getting to mental health treatment. So far this year, we’ve flown 34 heroes to get the help they need.
About Meg Hawkins & Eric Provow
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Eric and I have been together for a decade now. We met on the job during a joint call—my role was to keep him and his partner safe, but he tried his luck with a cheesy pickup line: “You can use those handcuffs on me.” Let’s just say, it didn’t win me over right away! Fast forward a few years, and a mutual friend decided to play matchmaker. Before we knew it, we were engaged within two months and married just four months later. Now, we’re blessed with two incredible service dogs, Denny and Tybee, who are our fur babies and constant companions.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Meg – I’m currently working as a community outreach officer for my department, where I focus on building strong connections with the community. I spend my time educating residents and engaging with the public to understand their needs. It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to help people in this way. Looking ahead, I’m planning to start a master’s certificate in Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) in the fall of 2025.
Eric – I joined the Marine Corps at just 17 and spent eight years in Recon and Force Recon before making the switch to the Air Force, where I became a Combat Controller (CCT). Currently, I’m working in my department’s professional development unit. When I retire for the second time, my plan is to go to Harley-Davidson Mechanic School. I enjoy mentoring the future leaders of my department.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Meg – Remember there are always 3 sides to a story – His, Hers, & the Truth.
Eric – Work to live, don’t live to work.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
We will be retired in South Carolina with our beloved pups, and we’re planning to keep our nonprofit going strong. There’s still a lot of work to do for others, and we’re not done yet!
Meg Hawkins & Eric Provow & Our Community
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
We love Ciao Osteria in Centreville.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Meg – I moved to Northern Virginia when I was just 6 months old, and I’ve been here ever since—over 40 years now!
Eric – I’ve been in the are here for 20 years now.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Meg – CCI Screen Printing – The original shop, owned by Dan Wallingsford, closed a few years ago. Since high school, though, they were my go-to for screen printing all my t-shirts and gear.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Meg – Growing up around here, the story of the Bunny Man (and the Bridge) was always a hot topic.
Eric – The Iwo Jima Memorial
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Meg – I’d love to have lunch with P!nk—she’s such a badass, and I absolutely love her music!
Eric – I’d love to have lunch with Chief Bradley Taylor from the Hazen Police Department in Arkansas. He’s a good old country boy, and I find him really interesting.
Meg and Eric – We’d love to take them to Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern in Herndon, VA.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Meg: Movie – Dirty Dancing, Pretty Woman, and White Men Can’t Jump. TV Show – I am a Real Housewives fan (I hate to even admit this); all of them except Dubai.
Eric: Movie – To Hell and Back / The story of Audie Murphy. TV Show – On Patrol Live and Blue Bloods.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Meg – I’ve pretty much self-diagnosed myself with automatonophobia—a fear of dummies, wax figures, and the like. It all started when I learned CPR as a kid using a Resusci Anne. She was just so creepy and traumatizing! Her arms and legs were oddly sized, and having to pull back her face to clean it, then fold her in half to fit her back in the box, was just too much.
Eric – I’ve been to every continent except Antarctica. I almost made it there, too—I was supposed to parachute in, but the mission got canceled because of a severe storm.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Meg – A frozen snack-sized Snickers bar from the freezer.
Eric – My amazing wife.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Meg – Even though they’re no longer with us, my grandpa and grandma mean the world to me. They were both Marines in WWII. When my grandpa became very ill, my grandma was by his side every day at the nursing home, taking care of him.
Eric – My wife—because she knows exactly when I need a little encouragement and when I need a good kick in the @ss.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Meg – Safe, comfort, and golden glitter (dog hair LOL).
Eric – Love, pups, happiness
*Photo Credit – Christy Bell, Artist Circle Studio
