This One's For My Dad--Semper Fi!

Elaine--Absolutely!

I've seen firsthand what it takes to send a loved one off on a deployment, especially into a war zone.  My brother has been in war zones three times, first as a Marine and now with the Army.  The parents, spouses, children, siblings, etc. bear so much emotionally.  But there's also just the practical demands of becoming a single parent, or being a grandparent taking in kids for a year, and so on, that makes it tough to be part of a military family.

It means so much to the soldiers, sailors and Marines who are deployed to know that their family will be taken care of, and can take care of themselves while they're away.  Being apart is hard.  But it's a little easier if they can be apart and not have to worry about the homefront.

So I agree--huge praises for those who keep the home fires burning.

Julie Miller

Cee Jay--that's horrible about your father not getting his benefits.  And after earning a Purple Heart?  Sounds like we have a lot of thanks to be handing out to your family.

The celebration at your school sounds adorable.  I can just see the little ones puffing up to attention as the veterans walk past.    I think it's important for each generation to learn about and understand just what each veteran has done for them.  And I'm sure it means a lot to the veterans to be honored that way.

Julie Miller

Nicolerko--be sure to thank your grandpa for serving.  And congratulations to your cousin on her engagement.

When my brother got married, he wore his full-dress blues uniform, complete with sword.  He made such a dashing figure--it was hard to reconcile that tall, hunky groom in uniform with the bratty little brother who used to kick me in the shins with his cowboy boots!    That was the most formal wedding I've ever been to.  And so beautiful!

And you make a good point.  Certainly sacrificing his/her life or being wounded or being kept as a POW is a heart-breaking part of why we honor those who serve around the world.  But they're still a hero/ine in my book if s/he put on the uniform and made the commitment.  I always remember my dad saying that the Corps (and all branches of the military) was like a community--a city or nation unto itself that needed all the citizens to do their part.  Whether ordering and shipping supplies out of Barstow, California (I'd hate to be the guy on the front line who didn't get his gun or his food or body armor because of an ordering/shipping snafu!) or cooking in the mess or tending the wounded in a stateside hospital or teaching younger recruits how to defuse a land mine, etc., every job is important.  No, it's not big drama to fill out paperwork, but I shudder to think what might happen to the people on the front line, if the base and stateside infrastructure wasn't there to do their part.

Julie Miller

Wow, Maurine--your father AND son.  That's typically the way it goes, where serving in the military becomes a family tradition.  Clearly, your family is a fine example, with all those uncles and aunt as well.

Thank YOU for being the daughter and mom who also makes the sacrifice of sending your loved ones into a very dangerous place, and loving them and supporting them and sharing your pride in them.

Julie Miller

Amen, April.  I loved your words at the end.

And I see your point about the National Anthem.  I was at a football game not too long ago, and as the anthem began to play, most of us turned toward the flag--men removed hats, women covered their hats, we quieted in preparation for the band to play.  But a couple of teenagerish kids (who stood) still had their ball caps on and were chatting and laughing between themselves as the music started. An older gentleman chewed them out--told them to get their hats off and shut up and show a little respect.  The kids did.  I don't think they meant to be disrespectful (I hope not!), but it made me wonder if anyone teaches how we're supposed to honor our flag and National Anthem anymore.   Some kids aren't taught manners anywhere except in school.  And I don't know that schools teach etiquette anymore.  Unless it just happens to come up in a conversation.

And yes, that's a great program that many radio/TV stations across the country have been doing.  Not only is it a benefit to the family, but the whole community gets an awareness update of just how many of its people are serving somewhere in the world.  When my brother was last deployed to Iraq, the meteorologist from one of the local TV stations was actually a part of his unit, not just an imbedded reporter.  So they used him to give weekly updates of the unit's activities (as an engineering unit, they were rebuilding schools and infrastructure in Baghdad), and had lots of interviews and face time for the members of the unit.  I know it meant a lot to my mom and dad, sister-in-law and nieces and nephews.  Even when my brother wasn't the featured soldier, they spotted him a few times in the background shots.

Julie Miller

Tappitytaptap--that must be a universal thing.  I have a good friend whose son is in Air Force JROTC at one of our high schools here, and they did the same thing last year.  Shined their shoes and put on their best and kept a round-the-clock vigil to honor the veterans.  He wanted the night shift, so he did guard duty like at 3 a.m.  His mom went to see him!  Moms are like that. 

I think that's a beautiful idea.

Julie Miller

Bonsal--that's so true, isn't it? I've traveled to many parts of the country with my dad--we take a multi-generational vacation every summer now that he and Mom are retired.  And I'm amazed at how many strangers he'll stop and chat with at a gas station or restaurant, for example, if he sees the right bumper sticker or jarhead haircut, etc.  There's a real bond there.

Thank you for serving--and thanks to all your family.

Julie Miller

Thanks for stopping by, JV, and for sharing your good wishes.

You know, most soldiers, Marines and sailors--and certainly their families--hate war, too.  But when called upon to do the unthinkable, they're ready.

Here's to peace.

Julie Miller

Hugs and prayers to you, Orchid, for your daughter.  It's probably more scary for her parents than it is for her.  But I'm sure you must be so proud.  Thank her for serving--and thank you for being a good Air Force mom.

Julie Miller