I’m involved in a number of projects with the Department of Defense focusing on veterans and their families. Military families have just as much stress as the combatants. They worry everyday about the health and safety of their loved ones. They worry about their children not having mentors, leaders, fathers or mothers in some cases. They worry about keeping the family running. The family is very important. Soldiers in theater are worried about the environment their families are in. Are they safe and secure? Are their physical and emotional needs being taken care of?
It’s a two-way street. When the family is cared for, the operator is able to stay more focused on the mission. Also, the family needs to feel that their loved one had the best training and is equipped with the best equipment to keep as safe as possible. This allows them to feel less apprehensive about their loved one being in combat.
My advice to families is to spend time before the deployment period and talk through all the issues. Talk about combat. How do we tell the children? How do we reassure them? How do we relate to one another over the next year? Who is going to watch over the family while I’m gone? How can I support you while I’m gone? These are very difficult discussions, but they must take place. Soldiers must be mindful that their families will worry about what can happen. Their minds are filled with what if scenarios, “what if you don’t come home?”
These issues cannot be ignored. The families that remain at home also must have a support network. They need to be connected to their community. The community easily recognizes a uniform, but it does not always recognize the family with a loved one deployed. It is important to share that burden with others. It is imperative if the soldier is to focus on the mission abroad.
Dear Lord, please give me opportunities to share your love with those who have a loved one deployed overseas. May I bless them as you have blessed me, and may you draw each one closer to yourself, God.
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” (Colossians 4:5)