While at an awards ceremony at my daughter’s school, I was singled out during a portion of the program to honor volunteers. I was wearing my uniform since I had to be at work immediately following the ceremony. She publicly mentioned my service and everyone in attendance began clapping. I was a little embarrassed and didn’t intend to be singled out. But, what really got to me was that after she pointed me out, the Principle directly addressed my wife for her service. But, she’s got it easy compared to some moms.
Army moms are a special group within the military. Not only do they normally fill the traditional motherly roles of caring for their children, but they also serve. I’m only speculating, but I’m pretty sure that deployments affect mothers differently than they affect dads. Moms have that physical and emotional bond that dads just can’t possess, having never carried a child. To leave them behind must be a little harder on them, but they do it daily! I’ll never cease to be amazed by these Army Strong moms.
Pfc. Bridget Cooper, a Las Cruces, N.M., native and supply clerk assigned to the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, holds a photo of her four children who are currently back in the U.S. Cooper is deployed to southern Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
