The Making Of An American Military Family In Time Of War

War has a profound impact on all those involved, and one aspect that often goes unrecognized is the effect it has on military families. They are the unsung heroes who endure the hardships and sacrifices of having a loved one serving in the armed forces.

Being part of an American military family during times of war is a unique experience that shapes the lives of both the service member and their loved ones. In this article, we will explore the challenges and resilience exhibited by these families, as well as the bonds that are formed within them.

The Call of Duty

Every military family has their own story, their own journey that brought them to this point. It starts with the call of duty, as a service member voluntarily signs up to defend their country. For some, it is a life-long dream and a sense of duty instilled from childhood. For others, it is a response to a national crisis or a way to seek a better future.

Standing By: The Making of an American Military Family in a Time of War

by Alison Buckholtz(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	677 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	332 pages

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Whatever the reason may be, the decision to enlist in the military sets in motion a series of events that will shape the lives of the entire family. From the moment the deployment orders are received, a mix of emotions engulfs the household - pride, fear, and uncertainty become constant companions.

Loneliness and Resilience

With a loved one away on active duty, military families often find themselves grappling with a sense of loneliness. The absence of a parent, spouse, or sibling is deeply felt, and the day-to-day responsibilities fall solely on the remaining family members.

However, amidst the challenges, military families exhibit immense resilience. They learn to adapt to constant change, develop a deeper appreciation for family bonds, and find strength in the support systems they have built. They become pillars of support for each other, forming an unbreakable network that sustains them through the darkest times.

The Homefront Battle

While service members fight on the frontlines, military families fight their own battle on the homefront. From maintaining a sense of normalcy for children to managing finances and taking care of household tasks, the responsibilities on the homefront are numerous.

Often, military spouses become single parents overnight, taking on dual roles to ensure their family's well-being. They become experts at managing household affairs, creating a stable environment, and providing emotional support for their children. The strength and determination exemplified by these individuals are nothing short of extraordinary.

The Silver Lining

Despite the challenges faced, the military lifestyle also comes with its own unique set of opportunities and experiences. Military families have the chance to travel and explore different parts of the country or even the world. They build resilience, adaptability, and an appreciation for diversity.

Moreover, the bond formed within military families is unlike any other. The shared experiences, sacrifices, and the understanding of the unique challenges they face create an unbreakable connection. It is a tight-knit community that supports one another through thick and thin.

In times of war, the making of an American military family is a journey filled with sacrifice, resilience, and strength. They stand as a testament to the human spirit and the unwavering support they provide to their loved ones in uniform.

It is important to recognize the challenges and sacrifices made by these families and honor their contributions. As a society, we must support and uplift them, providing the resources and assistance they need to navigate this unique path.

From the call of duty to the homefront battle, the making of an American military family is a story that deserves to be heard and appreciated.

Standing By: The Making of an American Military Family in a Time of War

by Alison Buckholtz(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	677 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	332 pages

FREE

Alison Buckholtz never dreamed she would marry a military man, but when she met her husband, an active-duty Navy pilot, nothing could stop her from building a life with him—not even his repeated attempts to talk her out of marriage. He didn’t want her to have to make the kinds of sacrifices long required of the spouses of military personnel. They wed shortly after September 11, 2001 and, since then, their life together has been marked by long separations and unforeseen challenges, but also unexpected rewards.

Standing By is Buckholtz’s candid and moving account of her family’s experiences during her husband’s seven-month deployment on an aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf. With insight and humor she describes living near a military base in Washington State, far from home and in the midst of great upheaval, while trying to keep life as normal as possible for the couple’s two young children. But she is not alone in her struggle. In Standing By, Buckholtz portrays her friendships with other military wives and the ways in which this supportive community of women helps one another to endure—to even thrive—during difficult times.

Throughout Standing By, Buckholtz speaks honestly about the culture shock she experienced transitioning into the role of a military wife. Because she had been raised to conquer the world on her own terms rather than be a more traditional wife and mother supporting her husband’s career, the world of the Armed Forces was at first as unfamiliar as a foreign land. But a remarkable and surprising series of events has challenged her long-held assumptions about the military, motherhood, and even the nature of American citizenship.

A rare and intimate portrait of one of the tens of thousands of families who now wait patiently for their service member to return home safely, Standing By is a window into what matters most for families everywhere.

Alison Buckholtz’s articles and essays have appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post and Washington Post Magazine, Real Simple, Forbes Global, Salon.com and many other publications. She was a resident of Washington, D.C. before she married into the military and now lives in Washington State with her husband and two children. This is her first book.