CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Unsung heroes
When I hear the word hero, traditional and historical images come initially to mind. I think of George Washington, Martin Luther King, and George Patton ... all individuals who have either dedicated their lives or given their lives to improve or safeguard our nation's way of life.
If I think on it a little longer, the men and women who fight fires, risking their lives and sometimes sacrificing their lives also come to mind. Fire fighters on Sept. 11, those who fought the fires near San Diego and those who perished here in Charleston this past summer are also heroes.
It also goes without saying that the men and women in uniform who have protected this country since its inception more than 200 years ago have always been and always will be heroes. I could easily go on about different people or professions that are classified as heroes, but how about the hidden heroes among us here at Charleston?
Charleston is preparing to deploy a new contingent of warriors throughout the world in support of our country's Global War on Terrorism. For many Charleston families, a husband, wife, mom or dad will be leaving. The spouse who stays here at Charleston still has to take care of the household and, if they have children, provide a stabilized and loving environment for them. This is done often while working outside of the home, always working in the home and without the help of their partner. Homework from school doesn't deploy (though my kids sometimes wish it did), nor do soccer games, Girl or Boy Scout events or piano lessons. Our spouses step up and make sure our children can still participate in their events and practices, while also filling the role of the deployed mom or dad in order for us to execute our obligations to the military and defend our country. My wife has done it, one neighbor is doing it now, another is about to and any military member who has served for any length of time also had a spouse who's done it.
Our children are also huge contributors to our ability to serve our country. When we deploy, they pitch in and help our spouses keep the household running smoothly. It can consist of helping with household chores, mowing the lawn or just giving Mom that extra hug to bring a smile to her face. They may not fully understand why Mom or Dad aren't home for Thanksgiving or won't be there for any soccer games, but they don't complain and try to help out the best they can. When we change duty stations, they make new friends, go to new schools and find new clubs and organizations to join.
I grew up in a small town in Maine in the same house with the same friends throughout my school-age years. I have great admiration for our children who wear the title "military brat" with pride and can't count on one hand the number of schools they have attended or places they've lived. It still amazes me how adaptable they are and how quickly they join in and become part of their new neighborhood.
While we may serve in the military in order to protect our families from harm, we could not do it successfully without their help, support and contributions. Our families don't have books written about them, holiday's named for them or grace the front pages of newspapers, but they are the unsung heroes of our nation and military. I, for one, thank them and salute them with awe. They are Charleston's unsung heroes.