Having grown up as an Air Force brat, I learned early on to respect the people who serve in the military.  The sacrifices they make are great… while the biggest is loss of life and limb, there are other sacrifices that often go unnoticed.

The men and women who serve are often stationed far away from their family.  In fact, my parents did not have the privilege of their own children getting to know their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins for more than a two-week visit once a year.   How many first birthdays did the grandparents miss?  How many baby showers, parties, first communions, and other special events were not attended by families who could not overcome the miles that separated them from loved ones?

So today I want to thank not just the people who actually served in the military, but their families too.  They missed a lot – usually without complaint – because their sons and daughters were willing to sacrifice on behalf of our great country.

Thank you all.

Photo of my sister and brothers feeding the ducks at the park located at Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas.