Strong Women at War

Having to share a room. Always having an audience when singing in the shower. Eating at a thousand seat dining table. Living on a base with a 15 square kilometer radius. It seems like no one would ever feel alone here.

But isolation from the ordinary, and lurking thoughts of what or whom you have left behind, can create loneliness even in the most crowded of places. It was that exact feeling that SPC Takia Andrews and SPC Racurica York of the 289^th Quarter Master Company wanted to bring to the forefront. 

Their event “Strong Women at War” was planned with the purpose of reassuring women that they aren’t at war alone, that the struggles stirring in one soul will most likely be rousing in your neighbors as well. 

Red Cross Staffer Neelum signing the banner

Our Red Cross ladies team had the privilege of supporting the event, with my co-worker Neelum actually performing in the program. As I watched a dozen or so performances; from hula, to poetry, singing, inspirational speeches, I quickly identified a common theme: One of the greatest challenges that woman in the military face is the ability to serve your country and still be a good mom. 

Sitting in the audience, I listened to women who had been criticized by other family members for leaving their children behind. A mother who had to leave her daughters with her church family because her husband was also deployed. And yet another questioned on how she could put dinner on the table and still be in the military. 

What I did not see was a pity party, nor regret. What I saw was a confident belief, among these women, that they have the ability to do both, and do both well.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Do what you feel in your heart to be right- for you’ll be criticized anyway. You’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t.” And “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

Red Cross staff with the SPC  Andrews and SPC York

These women’s hearts are for their country and for their children. They shared their tips with one another; the magic and usefulness of a Crock-pot to put dinner on the table, the importance of finding ways to be motherly downrange, to be a mentor, to be in service to others, like you would a family back at home. They shared their talents, their faith, their humor, and a made a call to rely on one another. 

So for all mothers in the military you have my utmost respect. I grew up with my parents in the military, and can honestly say that my pride for their service far outweighs my brief periods of sadness for when they were gone on TDY or deployment. I loved telling people that my parents were in the Air Force.

And more than anything, there is fulfillment in the fact that your work ensures opportunity for your children on all levels. On a small scale, the opportunity to experience life in all kinds of places, to have friends from all over, to develop the skill to adapt to change quickly. And on a larger scale, you are working ensure that they feel safe, remain free and take great pride in this great country that we call America!