DEPLOY

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Offices on Army posts, Air Force bases, Marine Corps bases and Navy stations have lists of deployed individuals. Many of the FSO personnel get to know the wives and families in their unit in order to better serve them, according to Anna Salviejo-Meyers, a Navy ombudsman appointed by the Commanding Officer of her husband’s unit.

Being separated from their husbands for long periods of time make military wives unique and special.

“The separations are traditionally passed off as part of the job, and they are,” said Ellen, a veteran of five deployments. “But there is such a great misunderstanding. There is a sacrifice and a commitment. The sacrifice and challenge of being separated means our husbands are gone … we don’t see them ... we have to keep our wedding vows….we are moms and dads at the same time ... and it’s a real sacrifice ... it challenges every bit of our being.”

Ellen said emphatically both spouses are serving their country, but in different roles.

“He is committed to his Marine Corps pledge and to his career of defending our nation. My role is to make sure he has every opportunity to grow as a Marine while giving him the assurance that I have his back,” she said. “I know that may sound like a true Marine wife. But here is the caveat: I believe every soldier, sailor, Marine and Airman, regardless of their rank, benefits from the care that is given to wives who take all the lumps of being separated.”

Thank you for YOUR service!

Dr. David Sutton is an Army veteran who resides in Spokane with his wife, Vickie.