Friday, March 18, 2011

The Loved Ones at Home are Fighting this War Too!

Many times when we think about war all we think about is our men and women in uniform, the ones in the front lines of battle.  Of course this is a normal reaction, however, those fighting the war that are not in uniform also need to be thought of, supported, and given praise.  The families and loved ones left at home also make major sacrifices and face challenges that many times go without notice or appreciation. 
There are many military poems and prayers that express both sides of service member and loved one.  These following poems are not only heartfelt and touching, but very realistic to the struggles that non-service members face while their loved ones are away.  *These poems tend to stereotype those serving in our armed forces as only men.  Keep in mind that there is a large population of servicewomen in our United States military and that men can be the spouses who are left at home too!

Deployment Prayer
Dear Lord:
Give me the strength to say goodbye. Hold back the tear in my eye.
Cure my insomnia so that I may sleep alone. Give me a reason to awake when I’ve none.
Dear Lord:
Please help me pace myself. Allow me to turn to you for help,
And please let me be strong for him, Even if I’ve reached the brim.
Dear Lord:
Please make time go fast. I don’t know how long I can last.
This is the hardest time of my life, But this is my job: the soldier’s wife.
Dear Lord:
Let them all stay strong. Give them the will to go on,
And Lord, Please bring back all our men. In the name of our country. Amen.

~By Leanne Thomas~


The Soldier's Spouse Creed
I am in love with a United States Soldier. I will support him in his defense of the Constitution of the United States of America. And I will understand that he must obey the orders of those appointed over him. I represent the true backbone and fighting spirit of the Army. And for those who have served before me I salute you with all the strength and loyalty my heart can muster. I proudly stand by the one I love with Honor, Courage and Commitment. I am committed to support my soldier and the United States Army.


The Silent Ranks
I wear no uniforms, no blues or greens.
But, I am in the military, in the ranks rarely seen.
I have no rank upon my shoulders. Salutes I do not give.
But in the military world is where I live and am rarely seen.
I am not in the chain of command, orders I do not give or get.
But my husband is the one who does, this I can not forget.
I am not the one who fires a weapon, Who puts his life on the line.
But my job is just as tough, I’m the one who is always left behind.
My husband is a patriot, a brave and pride filled man.
And the call to serve his country not all can understand.
Behind the lines, I see things needed to keep this country free.
My husband makes the sacrifice, but so do my kids and me.
I love the man I married. The military is his life.
So I pledge to support my hero and stand among the silent ranks known as
THE MILITARY WIFE.

Military Spouses of America (MSA) is a non-profit organization created by Charlene Rubush to provide information and support to the spouses of our United States service members and veterans.  Working closely with another organization, Mental Health America, Rubush and other members are striving to improve the mental health of all Americans through advocacy, education, research, and service.  Their current work is focused on raising awareness of PTSD, how to help cope with PTSD, providing unemployment benefits and higher education residency requirements. 
“MSA uses the political power, personal experiences, and social networks of military spouses to:1) educate the public about the issues that military and veteran families face; 2) inform the debate on the needs of these families; and 3) empower themselves and each other.”

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