Remember those deployed this Father's Day

  • Published
  • By Col. Steve Arquiette
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif, --  This weekend we celebrate the fathers in our lives. The role of a father varies drastically these days. Aside from the traditional, bread-winning father of the 1950s, now there are an increasing number of single fathers who take care of the children without a mother present, stepfathers who help raise children not of their own blood and men who serve as mentors/father figures to others. 

The role of the military father is even more extraordinary. Fathers who are in the military, and the families that support him, have the extra challenge of often being separated as the fathers risk their lives for our country. Many Team Travis fathers, me included, will spend Father's Day away from their family. Instead of barbecues and relaxing with friends and family, many will be spending long hours protecting this country's freedom and combating terrorists. At the same time, the families left at home will again be reminded that the father is not with them. 

As I watch my son, Stevie, grow, I often wonder what my hectic schedule, frequent TDYs and absences mean to him. How do they affect his upbringing? I imagine that most military families struggle with questions like that. As a young boy I too missed my father during his two, one-year deployments to Vietnam. It is guaranteed that at some time in our careers we will miss a birthday, graduation or other important milestones in our child's life. It is not uncommon to hear stories about fathers who have not yet met their child because they are deployed overseas at the time of their child's birth. Every member of a military family has to be strong and flexible -- father, mother and children. And everyone must cherish the time we do get to spend with loved ones. 

Luckily, the military recognizes the need to support our families in the servicemembers' absence. The Travis Airmen and Family Readiness Center, spouses' groups, first sergeants, supervisors, commanders, neighbors and friends are here to lend support to the family of deployed servicemembers. 

Happy Father's Day to all of our Team Travis fathers! For those who are able to be with your family -- enjoy it. For those who cannot -- we are thinking about you in your absence. 

BE PROUD! BE SAFE!