In Others’ Words: Everyday Heroes

 

I didn’t think much about our country’s military until I fell in love with and married a man who was serving in the U.S. Air Force. Marry someone in the armed forces and suddenly the military is up-close and personal.

Funny Story: I was so naive that I resisted carrying my brand new military I.D. card because it had the word “dependent” on it. I was quite independent, thank you very much. My husband smiled his sweet smile and said, “Fine. You don’t have to carry your I.D. card. You also won’t be able to get on base. Or buy gas. Or groceries.”

Reality: this civilian along for the ride had a lot to learn — and military rules were, well, rules. I would be wise to learn them and play by them.

My military friends wear all the uniforms of our country’s armed forces. Yes, I was an air force wife for more than 20 years, but friendships know no boundaries. Miitary men and women became my heroes — and so did their spouses and children. While we were stationed in Florida, a precious friend’s husbamd was killed overseas … and the word “widow” was seared into my heart as I embraced her and then watched her trust God with her greatest loss. Several years later, another friend’s husband was killed in Afghanistan … and then just two years ago, a friend’s son, an Army Ranger, was killed.

I believe, as Tom Clancy said,  “The U.S. Military is us.” And I believe that our soldiers — men and women — need to be supported both on days like The Armed Forces Day, which is tomorrow, May 17, and every day of the year — because their protection of us never wavers.

In Your Words: If you or anyone in your family — anyone — is serving or has served in the U.S. military, please take the time to let me — and the readers of this blog – know to today. I’d like to pray for them and for you. And say thank you. 

 

"The U.S. Military is us." ~Tom Clancy
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Armed Forces Day: Saturday, May 17 - Thank you to our military!
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