Thanks for Making Me Your Problem
   by Anne T

Not my dependent, not my problem… My husband, Guy, left for training en route to Iraq just weeks after we moved to serve his new assignment at the USAF Academy in Colorado. Now flying solo in a new community without good friends or family nearby, I was on my own to face the challenges ahead.

In fact, when some folks heard that Guy deployed, they often commented in a well meaning way that it was probably good that we don’t have children, since it must make household concerns more manageable. But in reality, it was pretty lonely starting out in a new place without anyone else to share my time with. And then I had to worry about finding a job, adjusting to the thought of dinner or movies alone and missing family celebrations. All that disheartened me, but little did I know that the Air Force family would swoop in to help.

From the quick calls of Guy’s unit colleagues to say, “Hello, how are you? Can we help?” to receiving services and guidance from the Airman and Family Readiness Center, to great healthcare access, I feel cared for. I soon learned about milspouse.com and myairforcelife.com and found tons of helpful tips, news and information. Another site, militaryonesource.com showed me how to receive grant money to return to school for my MBA, which I could not have afforded otherwise. I wouldn’t have any of this on my radar if I hadn’t received the support of the unfailing military family. So, thanks to all of the men and women serving our country and their families who are alongside me offering encouragement, even as they experience challenges in their own Air Force lives. Thank you for making me “your problem” and for standing by until Guy comes home.