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This speech is from a few years ago(pre 9-11)to honor the families of our National Guard unit. It is more true today, than when it was written. Also, it applies to all families of the Armed Forces .

The preamble to the United States Constitution states:
We the people of the these United States in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Two key phrases speak to me about the military in those words.

Insure domestic tranquility and provide for the common defense.

I believe the Guard fulfills the job requirement of those two simple phrases.

But, what, I ask you, are we defending or insuring the tranquility of? A piece of land? A mountain that we can look upon? Or a wheat field?

The Natioal Guard's job is to insure the tranquility of, and defend the people of, these United States.

People, who make up families. Families who come in all shapes, sizes, colors, religions, beliefs, previous nationalities, political parties, and backgrounds. Families who may have been here for hundreds of years or a few months.

But this job comes with a price, a price from the Guard member and their family. When their Guard member is called upon to serve, the family serves also. It may be a mother, a brother, a wife, a dad, or a long-term relationship that stays home and does what needs to be done.

What needs to be done varies within each family, and with each deployment, training or TDY. Children and/or elderly parents may need medical care. Bills still have to be paid, cars may need repairs, business’ still have to operate, the list can go on and on.

Families that wait, for that joyous occasion when their Guard member return from duty. As they step from the plane the family wonders- Is it them? It is them, their loved one is back safe! The hugs, the kisses, the tears, the squeals of delight from the children. The family unit is once again complete.

2000, the Year of the Family is dedicated to the families of the ANG.
This year dedicated to the family, acknowledging the many deeds that that each member does, but go unnoticed. The son who repairs his mother’s car. The grandfather who videotapes that first soccer game, including the goal that the grandson made (for the wrong team). The step-mom who takes the child to the slumber party. The grandmother who misses her grandson at her 80th birthday party. The daughter that wishes her dad could see her dressed up for the prom. The mom that knows her son is half way around the world and could be in danger.

These are the faces of the families of the National Guard, each has a story to tell.

Major General Paul Weaver the head of the Air National Guard states:

The family can exist without the National Guard. Our National Guard cannot exist without it’s families.

Our Operation Ready Families program would like to salute the many families of the Air National Guard. We would like to share your joy when you are celebrating, and comfort you when there is sorrow in your life. We would like to come beside you when need a helping hand, and applaud you with your successes. We feel honored to stand by you as you stand by your Guard member.