Diane is part of a rich military heritage, with a legacy of service running through her family for generations. When she married her husband, Guy, Diane was prepared for the sacrifices that she knew military life would bring.
The family, including two children, moved frequently from base to base. “After getting married, we moved from New Mexico to Germany in the middle of winter,” Diane tells me. “Not being back home with family is hard. You get very homesick.”
She continues, “We’d stay somewhere for two or four years, and then it’s time to go. You feel bad for your children, having to rip them away from their friends. Of course, you want your kids to be happy.”
When you think of “sacrifice” and the military, you might think of war and the ultimate price being paid by a brave service member for our freedom.
But the contributions and sacrifices made by military spouses — and their readiness to give — also impact the lives of those who serve. Spouses like Diane are quiet heroes — they, too, serve our country through their commitment. In a less dramatic but very real way, they’re part of the effort to keep America strong and safe.
That’s why it’s wonderful to say to military widows like Diane, “THANK YOU for all you’ve given!”
It’s true: Military life can be difficult and stressful for everyone in the family. Spouses and children are required to move frequently — changing jobs and schools, leaving behind friends and support systems again and again. They constantly worry about the safety of their loved ones in uniform. And many military spouses give up their own careers, and their own dreams, while holding down the home front and waiting for their hero to return from service.
Military spouses like Diane are the backbone of our armed forces. They give of themselves and give up time with their loved ones so that we are kept safe and out of harm’s way.
Now residing at Bob Hope Village, Diane enjoys the comradeship most about living here. “Being in the military is such a fellowship,” she says. “Air Force Enlisted Village is a continuation of that. My favorite part is that you never feel alone here. Your neighbors become your friends and some even become your family.”
Remember to honor and thank military spouses on May 10 for all they have given, and thank you for making AFEV such a safe, caring, and wonderful community for our military spouses!
