Is there an amazing dad in your life? This month, we’re excited to recognize all the great military dads out there. Whether they’re the military member, the spouse, or even a father figure who’s come alongside to provide mentorship and support, we’re giving the awesome military dads in our lives some well-deserved praise!
Dads, we think you’re incredible. With help from some other military spouses, here are a few things we love about you.
1) When you’re intentional with family time
We admit that we sometimes forget how challenging parenting can be for the service member parent, who must juggle the demands of the military with being present for their kids.
Leticia says of her husband,
“We are new parents of a ten-month-old son, and my husband has a demanding job in the Marine Corps with unpredictable hours. However, I am so grateful for how he intentionally uses the time he does have to invest in our son’s life. He’s never too tired or busy to play with him and just take care of him! Our son lights up and screams with joyful sounds every time my husband walks in the door. He is always so proud to take him to squadron events, church, and anywhere else! I’ve enjoyed seeing him fully love and embrace fatherhood.”
Amber agrees,
“I’m thankful for my husband and how much he still puts our family first even while overseas! No matter how crazy his schedule is with work and flying, he still makes time for us as much as possible whether it is video chatting or messaging. We are also the parents of a newborn and it is our first child. He has still been there for me every step of the way and takes the time to listen and help me through things. I thank God every day that he blessed us with him! He is truly amazing!”
2) When you split household and parenting responsibilities (well… when you’re home!).
Balancing home duties as a family is challenging for “normal” families, but as a military family, it can be even trickier when you add in crazy duty schedules and travel. We’re busy; you’re busy—that’s why working as a team to raise our kids together means so much.
Darionne concurs:
“I married one of the good ones! Emmitt is everything I prayed for and more. He makes breakfast for our family and coffee for me every morning. He rotates making dinner, cleaning the kitchen, and doing laundry with me when I have work I need to do in the evening. He helps bathe, dress, plays with, and reads to the kids every night. We are so blessed to have him lead our family!”
Johanna’s husband finds ways to help parent their son, even from afar:
“I’m beyond thankful that, even in the craziness of being overseas, my husband still makes the time to FaceTime with our son, even when he only wants dad to ‘sit’ next to him and watch his TV shows with him. He’s 2, and he doesn’t speak well, so he has trouble having any kind of conversation. His dad will sit silently on the phone and watch our son’s shows with him. He’s even been able to find some toys for our son where he is and send them home. One is a stuffed camel that our son takes EVERYWHERE with him. Even though my husband is halfway across the world, he is still helping out at home and getting us what we need when we can’t figure it out ourselves!”
3) When you bring the fun.
The world can seem like a heavy place, and military spouses often feel like we have to keep it all together and the well oiled machine of the family running. That’s when it’s good to have a partner to balance out the seriousness with some well-placed humor. It reminds us to relax a little!
Chelsea says,
“I am so thankful for my husband and the way he brings humor and fun into our family. Military life can be chaotic at best, and I get overwhelmed with the day to day and trying to find balance when he’s away. He comes in the door full of jokes, stories, and plays music on full blast. He reminds us to stop and enjoy the moment we are in. So thankful for his fun loving spirit and dedication to our three boys and me.”
Christine adds,
“I’m thankful for how creative and wonderful my husband Adam is! Whether he’s having our daughter ice skate on the kitchen countertops, float through space as an astronaut complete with sound effects, or flying around as airplanes in the backyard, he is always coming up with ways to make ordinary days into extraordinary adventures. He’s an imaginative and loving father and I’m so grateful for him!”
And here’s a shoutout to those coaches, teachers, mentors, and role models who step in and act as father figures to so many military kids. We see you, and you’re making a difference.
Johanna puts it well,
“I’ll give a shout out to my oldest’s dad. He never misses a beat when we have family time with us parents and bonus parents. He steps in and is an amazing role model for my youngest son (who is not his). My best friend’s husband also steps in when we are out with them and takes our son under his wing and gives him that ‘guy time’ he so desperately needs and wants. We are truly blessed with all the fathers and father figures in our lives!”
Military dads, we wish you the happiest of Father’s Days! We’re so grateful for you.