There are thousands of military families around the U.S. whether they’re on the front lines, or non combat jobs these families have all been impacted in one way or another by their circumstances. There are people who do not understand how poignant it can be for someone to have a family in the military.
Logan Alexander is a junior at GlenOak High School whose dad Alex Alexander is in the military. He is not currently on active duty, but Logan explains how it felt for his dad not to be around much.
“He started serving the military after high school,” Logan said. ¨Two years ago he was deployed for a year and it was a struggle without him. I (used to) see him about once a week, but now it’s about three days a week. Me and him rarely communicated because of this (they deployment) and it was hard to communicate because of this.”
Loki Rouse is a junior at GlenOak High School. His dad Pixi Firefly is currently retired. She worked for the Air Force Branch and her rank was Tech Sgt, however, Loki explained what it was like to have a parent in the military.
“My dad has worked in the Air Force branch where they transported stuff such as troops and equipment; also supporting operations,” Rouse said. “My dad retired from the military a few years ago. Since my dad joined the military, we ended up having to move many times.”
He only saw Rouse Firefly about once a month because she constantly had to work and transport stuff and his mom had to take care of him and his sister by herself for a bit, which was a struggle for Rouse and his mother despite hardships, Rouse is still grateful for and proud of his fathers work.¨
“…I am appreciative of my dad for doing so much for the family and working hard to be able and support us all,” Rouse said.
Senior Elizabeth Fernandez’s father Ray Fennandez is currently retired from the military she was unsure of the branch he was in, however, she shared her story on how it felt when her dad was in the military.
“My dad served in the army right after high school and it caused us to move a lot, which was hard to keep up with and we barely saw him. I think every few months we did see him. Anytime I would be home he would not I didn’t necessarily hate it, but it was really hard on me and my family,” Fennadez said,
Junior Zack Mccornack and his dad Alan McCornack were in the military; Alan is currently retired. Zack McCormack shared his story on what it is like for him with his dad Alan McCornack in the military.
“My father was in the military. He joined right after he finished high school.My dad was in the Air Force. He is currently retired”, Zack said.
His dad began to serve the military right after he got out of high school. Zack never saw him because Alan was usually only home when Zack was asleep and would leave before he woke up. Alan was so busy to the point he would rarely be home.
“It was weird with him in the military and we had to move. I didn’t really have a choice because he was in the military before I was born but i was happy for his retirement and it made it easier on my family overall,” McCormack said.
