Behind every service member are loved ones whose support and sacrifices may not always be visible but deserve to be recognized. Military families provide strength and encouragement throughout a loved one’s service, through the transition back to civilian life and long after their time in uniform ends. In honor of Military Family Appreciation Month, we invited members of our Veterans of Blue Yonder group to share their perspectives on the essential role these families play, celebrating military families and recognizing the many ways they support those who serve.
“When people talk about the sacrifices of a military spouse, the focus is usually on the active-duty years: the long separations, quietly worrying about the safety of a loved one, and holding down the home front while keeping little ones reassured that mommy or daddy is okay. Those challenges are real and deserve recognition, but some of the heaviest lifting often happens after the uniform comes off.
The transition to civilian life isn’t simple, even under ideal conditions with employment and support. After spending years with a strong, built-in sense of mission that dictated everything down to my daily routine and shared family rhythm, having that structure stripped away was disorienting.
Do I fit in outside of service? What's my new 'why' away from the military? What do I wear every day? Finding a new identity and purpose from scratch is tough, and its impact can be felt throughout the family.
Through every relocation and mission, my spouse gave so much to support my service. But her greatest sacrifice showed up when my time in uniform ended, standing by me with patience, grace and love while I went through the immense confusion of starting over.
Military families don’t just serve during the contract; they carry each other through the unique struggles that follow.”
- Tybee Hurst, Program Manager – Product Development
Military Service: U.S. Air Force – Staff Sergeant, Broadcast Journalist
“For most people in the military, we view the men and women on our left and right as family. What is really beautiful about this is the families at home embrace our colleagues as family too. No one ever has to be or feel alone. As a Marine leader, I truly appreciated these open arms because they were a pillar of strength for all of us. So, I'd like folks to understand that military families are as invaluable to our national defense as uniformed members—and thank them for their support when they get the opportunity.”
- Khalilah Thomas, Account Executive – Defense & Government, Blue Yonder Defense Systems
Military Service: Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel
“When a family member enters the military, it isn't just them that are part of the military. The family is also part of the military. From deployments to transitioning to civilian life and the moves from installation to installation, everyone is impacted!”
- Aaron Haas, Vice President – Customer Success, Blue Yonder Defense Systems
Military Service: U.S. Air Force