How was life as a Military Wife?
I did not have a career during my husband’s 12 years of service because I was busy raising our children and we never knew when we would be transferred to another base. People were hesitant to hire military spouses because of the expense of training and then we’d move on.
Deployment was always in the back of our mind. It was not a questions of if but when you would be separated and for how long. Who would help us in time of need and where would we end up living because base housing was not available if the military person was gone.
The best you could do for yourself was to plan ahead for the “what do I do if’s”. Then when they happen you have an idea in mind and can proceed relatively smoothly.
How was life when he was deployed?
When my husband was sent to Vietnam, I moved from Pennsylvania back to Wisconsin to be close to my family. I got my own apartment and cared for my 2 kids. He was gone for 1 year and I knew he was in constant danger. He was good about sending a letter every week but at one point I didn’t hear anything for over 45 days. That was the longest time in my life. I contacted the Red Cross who located him to confirm he was alive but in an area that he could not get or send any mail.
How was it when he would return?
When he came home we were sent to Fort Sam Houston Texas where we finally had some stability. We bought our first home and stayed there for 12 years. By then John had obtained the rank of Staff Sgt and was an instructor in the medical detachment. At each place you live you try to make your quarters look like home but it never really happens because you don’t put a lot of money into decorations that you probably won’t be able to take to the next place. The military would come in and pack your household belongings and ship them to the next location. But they could take up to a month to arrive so you need help getting started again.
What did you love or hate about being a military wife?
The hardest thing for me was making friends only to have to leave them behind. But while you are together they become your family. You celebrate holidays together and comfort each other through hard times. It truly is a life you love or hate. There is no middle ground. You grow up in a hurry, find courage you didn’t know you had, and try to hold the family together. You know that God is watching over you and that’s all you can really depend on. It’s not a life for weaklings.
Thank you, Joan for sharing!
Rules of Engagement 