From the AFPS Family Matters blog. Deborah Mullen, a Navy wife and mom and a military family advocate, has been married to Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, for 40 years.
U.S. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and his wife Deborah, speak with Fort Bliss enlisted spouses in El Paso, Texas on March 10, 2011. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley/Released)
During the Month of the Military Child in April, there were picnics and parades, fairs and festivals in communities across the country — all to recognize and honor military children for their special contributions to our nation.
There is no issue nearer or dearer to my heart than reinforcing to our military children that they are, indeed, a key part of the military community and how equally important it is to recognize the sacrifices they make every day.
It’s one thing to be a military child during peacetime, quite another during a time of war. Every day, these young ones shoulder worry, stress and responsibility far beyond their years while mom or dad is deployed. It’s not just the missed birthdays and soccer games or helping mom with extra chores that dad would normally do. It’s the fear that their world can crumble at a moment’s notice.
When their parent comes home, the stress and challenges don’t necessarily disappear. It’s a safe bet dad didn’t return quite the same guy he was when he left. He, too, may have emotional and even physical challenges to face. And he, too, may be afraid … and perhaps even afraid to admit it.
Many of these kids have known only war … only worry.
Recent Comments