BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- My husband and I are both active duty Air Force, and in the past four years we have endured four deployments and multiple temporary duty assignments, totaling almost 1,000 days of separation. We have two boys, ages 13 and four. Our youngest son has spent more than half of his life without his dad. Our boys know no different, but that does not make the pain of each goodbye any easier to carry.
 
They wear the shoes of two young men whose mom and dad come and go like the wind. They love and miss us each time we have to leave, yet support us like none other. Their hearts are pure, and they laugh and love life. They thrive in school, love learning and do not use the distance that separates us as a crutch to do wrong or act out. They are our true unsung heroes and we could not accomplish our service without them.

If you have children while you are serving, would you say the same? Are your children the people who give you the drive and motivation to continue to serve proudly? We often remind our children who serve silently alongside us of how grateful and proud we are of them, but when outside organizations pay it forward to recognize them as well, it makes what we do all that more special.

Recently, I reached out to an organization called the Thank You Foundation, which does just that -- pays it forward. I shared our story of a constant ops tempo, how our boys are resilient and never complain, and how I would love for their Christmas wishes to come true. This organization did just that. This Christmas, our boys will be surprised with an outdoor play set and a basketball hoop, along with thank you cards from complete strangers who just want to say, "Thank you for all you do!"

Many military children have endured multiple deployments and countless days without the people they love most. There are many organizations out there that specifically lend a helping hand and heart to our children. Organizations such as Operation Kid Comfort quilt blankets and pillows with photos of their deployed family member on them to comfort children while their loved one is away. Another organization, Operation Love Reunited, takes professional images of families prior to deployment, and if possible attends the reunion at the airport to capture the raw emotions of families reuniting. Many other non-profit organizations offer military discounts and services to comrades who wear the uniform and serve our nation. These organizations think saying "thank you" is simply not enough; it needs to be followed up with action.

I encourage you to seek out organizations, such as the ones I mentioned previously, that support you and your loved ones and allow fellow Americans who want to thank you for your service by giving something back. I am excited to see the joy in my boys' eyes when they see their gifts from a group of people who just want to thank and recognize them for their sacrifices to support our country.