We moved here because Sean was given orders to work at Nellis Air Force Base here in Las Vegas. What some of you may not know about Nellis is that it is known as the Fighter Pilot Air Force Base. Daily it is an "air show" here around the base. My son Clayton is going to miss living here just for the fact because everytime he sees a plan in the sky he says, "Mommy, its Daddy!" He already at age 2 1//2 associates planes and his Father.
With that explained it is important to point out that many combat exercises are run here at Nellis. There are many names for these exercises but the one that Sean works with is called Red Flag. Many people both national and international come here to be taught and participate in these combat exercises. It is not an unusual thing to see international soldiers in uniform around the base both during and inbetween these exercises. It was unusual for me to see it because in Omaha its not often you see people from Italy, Sweden, South Korea, Australia, etc. These exercises run 2 weeks long and it is a very long and grueling two weeks for those participating in it. My husband is participating in this one and so he works usually at the minimum 12 hours a day during these two weeks. I can't even really complain right now about not seeing him or having him around to help with the kids because today in fact he is working more than an 18 hour day. I feel so badly for him and all those who are working these hours because just the sleep depervation alone is stressful. I am hoping that these next two weeks go by quickly so that he can get on a normal schedule again.
I never thought that I would marry anyone in the military let alone someone who has a job so complicated as my husband does. He was just telling me he was working on a over 9 million dollar contract this last week and now today was given a "new" contract to work on amidst working on this Red Flag exercise. I realize that there are men and women overseas in some very dangerous and "live" combat situations/environments that have it a lot worse than anyone living in the U.S. working long hours and having to carry heavy burdens. I'm not down playing that in the least. I think of these people everyday and try to remember them as often as I can when I pray. We know many people overseas in the middle east and other places of danger. We know that they are away from their loved ones and that are in harms way being where they are. I say all this to prompt us as Americans to do what we can to support our troops. My job as a wife is to be as supportive of my husband as I can. I must humbly and shamefully say I do not do a good enough job of this. I admit to this only to say that it is something that I am determined to improve upon quickly. I have a chance and opportunity to directly affect someone's life who is contributing to help ensure my son's freedom and liberty as well as my own. I do not take my freedom for granted and am truly grateful for being an American with such privileges and blessings.
If I can just encourage you to write a letter to a soldier overseas who may be encouraged by receiving mail. Even from a stranger?? Promoting morale is something each of us can do by sending a care package. If you would like to participate in an active supporting the troops programs go to your local church and ask how you can get involved. I know from being in Omaha, Nebraska that Christ Community had an active Support the Troops program. They had the deployed soldiers names for prayer lists. Lists of items that are good to send overseas troops in care packages etc were available among other ideas for good ways to support and encourage a deployed soldier.
I know of a woman who is deployed right now in Iraq and has a little 1 1/2 year old girl and husband that she left behind. Her deployment is 6 months long which for some is short and for others long. Either way, she is away from her family and is working very hard to execute her job duties both for her squadron as well for her country. I am truly thankful for her service as well as all who are currently serving in our military. My husband has pointed out to me many times how our country is one of the last who have a 100% volunteer military. We are honored by these people and I will forever be in their debt.
If you know anyone who is serving take a moment to write them an email, facebook them, or write a little note to say thank you for what they are doing. Whether or not you realize it, it is what they are doing that directly affects us all tomorrow.
Just a little excerpt from a Air Force wife's life.....
I hope the rest of you have a great Tuesday!
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