The Making Of An American Military Family In Time Of War

War not only affects the lives of those who serve on the front lines, but it also has a profound impact on the families left behind. This is the story of one American military family and their journey through the emotional roller coaster of war.

The year was 2003. The United States had just invaded Iraq, and thousands of brave men and women were deployed overseas to fight for their country. Among them was John Anderson, a dedicated soldier and loving husband.

John's wife, Emily, was left alone with their two young children, Sarah and Michael. Like many military spouses, Emily had to assume the role of both mother and father, providing emotional support and stability for her children while coping with the fear and anxiety that comes with having a loved one in a war zone.

Standing By: The Making of an American Military Family in a Time of War

by Alison Buckholtz (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	677 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	332 pages

FREE

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. Letters and occasional phone calls were the only means of communication between John and his family. Emily would anxiously wait for each update, devouring every word written by her husband, cherishing the rare moments of connection they could have despite the miles that separated them.

As time went on, Emily noticed a change in Sarah and Michael. They started exhibiting signs of anxiety and fear, often asking when their father would return. The weight of their young hearts began to bear the burden of their father's absence.

Desperate to support her children and find a sense of community, Emily became involved with other military families going through the same struggles. She found solace in knowing that she wasn't alone, that there were others who understood the pain of separation and the constant worry for the safety of their loved ones.

The support network proved to be invaluable as the war dragged on. More and more military families gathered together, sharing their stories, fears, and hopes. They became each other's pillars of strength, a lifeline in an otherwise chaotic time.

Emily learned to balance the logistical challenges of running a household alone with the emotional toll of raising two children who longed for their father's return. She had to be both strict and nurturing, providing stability while managing her own fears and anxieties.

But amidst the hardships, there were also moments of celebration. The families would come together to honor their loved ones, organizing homecoming parties and sending care packages filled with love and support. Every milestone achieved, every letter received, every homecoming celebrated was a reminder that their sacrifices were not in vain.

Finally, in 2005, John returned home. The joy and relief felt by the Anderson family were shared by their military community. The sacrifices they had made were etched into their every breath, a testament to the resilience and strength of not just one family, but an entire nation.

Today, John, Emily, Sarah, and Michael reflect on their journey as an American military family. They carry with them a deep understanding of the impact of war and an unyielding gratitude for the support they received during those difficult years.

The making of an American military family in a time of war is an unforgettable journey filled with love, sacrifice, and resilience. It is a testament to the human spirit and the bonds that hold us together, even in the face of unimaginable challenges.

So next time you think of war, think of the families left behind. They are the unsung heroes, facing their own battles and supporting their loved ones from afar. They are the heart and soul of the military, shaping the future of our nation one sacrifice at a time.

Standing By: The Making of an American Military Family in a Time of War

by Alison Buckholtz (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	677 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	332 pages

FREE

Alison Buckholtz never dreamed she would marry a military man, but when she met her husband, an active-duty Navy pilot, nothing could stop her from building a life with him—not even his repeated attempts to talk her out of marriage. He didn’t want her to have to make the kinds of sacrifices long required of the spouses of military personnel. They wed shortly after September 11, 2001 and, since then, their life together has been marked by long separations and unforeseen challenges, but also unexpected rewards.

Standing By is Buckholtz’s candid and moving account of her family’s experiences during her husband’s seven-month deployment on an aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf. With insight and humor she describes living near a military base in Washington State, far from home and in the midst of great upheaval, while trying to keep life as normal as possible for the couple’s two young children. But she is not alone in her struggle. In Standing By, Buckholtz portrays her friendships with other military wives and the ways in which this supportive community of women helps one another to endure—to even thrive—during difficult times.

Throughout Standing By, Buckholtz speaks honestly about the culture shock she experienced transitioning into the role of a military wife. Because she had been raised to conquer the world on her own terms rather than be a more traditional wife and mother supporting her husband’s career, the world of the Armed Forces was at first as unfamiliar as a foreign land. But a remarkable and surprising series of events has challenged her long-held assumptions about the military, motherhood, and even the nature of American citizenship.

A rare and intimate portrait of one of the tens of thousands of families who now wait patiently for their service member to return home safely, Standing By is a window into what matters most for families everywhere.

Alison Buckholtz’s articles and essays have appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post and Washington Post Magazine, Real Simple, Forbes Global, Salon.com and many other publications. She was a resident of Washington, D.C. before she married into the military and now lives in Washington State with her husband and two children. This is her first book.