Military Families Sacrifices

SAHM Group board ^

[LadyShallott]

Military Families Sacrifices

You probably didn't realize who was sitting next to you. You rattled on about how silly this anti-terrorist war is, and that it's just a political ploy. You said you'd never let your son run off to fight, and you'd throw a fit if they just sent your husband off.

At that point, I almost turned around and told you who I am.

I am a military spouse.

Life in the military has never been easy.

It means low pay with no overtime, watching your husband go to work with a fever because the doctor didn't deem him sick enough for the day off.

It means years of rules and protocol that wear on you like a dripping faucet late at night.

Don't even get me going on the weekly inspection of our yards. We live with Terms like "Exercise" which means 12 hour shifts. And "TDY," which means your spouse is gone for up to 180 days. And "Remotes," which means your spouse is gone for longer than 180 days. And finally, "PCS," which means your whole family is going on this ride.

Don't get me wrong; whining is not my intent here. While the road we've been down in the military hasn't always been paved; it's been a good life.

My kids know you don't wait to make friends because you never know how long they'll be here. We know how precious good friends are even when miles separate us.

It wasn't always in vogue to be patriotic. Sept. 11 helped turn that tide, but flags are fading around here again. My husband is TDY (temporary duty) right now. I'm not allowed to tell you where. I'm 26 days into a 109-day TDY.

There have been too many times I have needed him here. Forget the running of the home fort - there are kisses and hugs that should be taking place. I lie in bed and try to recall what his breathing sounds like next to me- or I hear the door open and try to envision him walking in from work. What I would give to hear his clear voice without telephone static and worrying about how much the phone call will cost us. Then the deep fear - what if this separation becomes permanent?

Distance is a horrible thief of what is precious, because it only reminds us of how precious it is.

You kept on talking for a while.

I then realized I was picking up your tab. You could sit there freely and give your opinion because of the military families like ours. We are paying the price for your freedom.

I've heard it said that soldiers of the past, present and future pay for the flag ~ Nah, we're the threads it's woven with.

[LadyShallott]

This is for you Danni and to all of the military spouses. My prayers and deepest thanks to all of the men and women who are fighting the good fight.

[LadyShallott]

Hubby Ping!

[chance33_98]

Ping!

[tillacum]

You and other military spouses past, present and future are the anchors these military personnel need while away from home. They know while they are away everything at home is ok.

Thanks LadyShallott

Been there, done that in your spouses shoes and yours.

[big'ol_freeper]

I am married to one of these wonder giving women and I thank God every day for having blessed me with such a soul mate. She, and my children, have made all the sacrifices worth it.

Tomorrow is my last day as a soldier after 20 years of service. Military families are awesome and I am glad I have been part of one.

[cynicom]

Lot of people here on FR that are of the "let someone else do it". They love volunteers. They enjoy the fruit of the harvest, enjoy the good life.

[chance33_98]

You and other military spouses past, present and future are the anchors these military personnel need while away from home.

Just a note (She asked me to clear it up): She addressed it to her friend on the stay at home mom's board whose husband is in the military.

[Otta B Sleepin]

Congratulations on your retirement and thank you for your faithful service to our country.

Our family prays for the men and women of our military and their families every day.

[Dr. I. C. Spots]

I'm a civilian with the DoD presently out at sea with with a naval combat ship working on a system. I served in the navy for 8 years just at the end of Viet Nam. The average person has no clue what this life is like nor can they appreciate it or those who live it. The "peaceniks" are so wacked they wouldn't know the right thing to do if it tip toed up and kissed them on the nose. I know what it is like to be spit on at an airport because I wore the uniform and I know what it is like to be loved by your family, friends, church members and other vets. The love and respect is worth it all, fight the good fight, do what is right even when others won't appreciate it or understand it. It is a rewarding life. May the Lord bless and keep you.

[Ace the Biker]

I have always opined that the Family back home had it much tougher than I did when I was in the 4th Infantry, in Viet Nam.

Every morning when I woke I knew that I was OK, Everyday my wife and Mom woke wondering if something had happened and would she get one of those dreaded visits from a Army Officer.

I believe every spouse with a loved one in a combat zone deserves a special medal for service way beyond the call.

God bless our service personnel and their families.

[ASOC]

Thanks for the post - my wife was a wonder while "we" was in (for 22 years!) and is still a wonder as our son does his "Marine" thing..
I think the peaceniks are pretty much full of it, but gave up a good piece of my adult life so they could keep the right to say what they want (within the law, mind you)about nearly anything.
Kinda makes it all worth it, at least speaking for myself, my father and grandfather (vets all).

Have a fun day and try not to let them get to you!

[tiki]

I'm saying a prayer for these families. My neice's husband is wver there too. She sends me heart-breaking e-mails like this. She's holding down the fort while her husband fights for America and I'm proud of both of them and the sacrifice they have chosen and proud of all our sevicemen and their families.

[where's_the_Outrage?]

Thank God for Email.

I lucked out and could get access about once a day in Afghanistan, it made things easier. When my Dad was in Vietnam, email wasn't an option.

However, the military will block subversive sites like AOL making contact difficult.

Unfortunately, my paranoid Vietnam Vet Father is afraid of idenity theft, and doesn't do eamil, that meant about 14 days between snail mails. And since I didn't have envelopes, and the PX was empty, had to make do.

God Bless the Military Families. They Need it.

Screaming Eagle, been there, done that.

[El Gato]

Tomorrow is my last day as a soldier after 20 years of service...When do I get to lift my leg on the liberal?

I'd say starting tomorrow. Assuming stop loss doesn't kick in suddenly or you don't get recalled. That is what the retirement pay is for you know, so they can get you back if they need you. It happened in Gulf War I. If we have to do Gulf War II and the DPRK at the same time, they might do it again. We've been ribbing a lady in our office who got out after 20 about 5 years ago that they'd soon be needing wrench turners with her particular skills and knowlege, she gets right perturbed when we do that. :)

[El Gato]

Unfortunately, my paranoid Vietnam Vet Father is afraid of idenity theft, and doesn't do eamil,

Look into one of the boxes that's not really a computer and only does email. We got one of those for my mother in law, after my father in law refused to allow "his" computer to be connected to the internet, which as we all know is full of porno and who knows what all. :).

(BTW, he is WW-II vet, as is my father. I'm (late) Vietnam era, technically at least, as I was "alive in '75" and on active duty then, although I'd never claim to be a Vietnam Vet)

[where's_the_Outrage?]

he is WW-II vet

I probably should have mentioned my Dad is also a WWII vet, and Korean Vet. Retired after 26 years. May completes my 26th year, but mostly in the Reserves. My Dad's was all active.