Caring Causes: Military Spouses Making a Difference

A new collaboration has brought together 30 military spouses of U.S. Armed Forces to share their experiences of military life in the post 9/11 era. It chronicles America’s all-volunteer force and how they and their families have made a powerful impact in their communities while being a military spouse and all that entails.

“Behind the Scenes: The Tales of Military Spouses Making a Difference” is a project coordinated by Cara Loken, the 2016 Armed Forces Insurance National Guard Spouse of the Year. The book highlights the men and women who have been contributing to their communities while they and their families meet the challenges facing the very unique circumstances of today’s military community.

“I kept hearing story after story of the life-changing things that spouses everywhere were doing in addition to meeting and conquering their own day-to-day challenges. When these women and men see a need, they fill it. It was important to me to put these stories together so all Americans know just how very remarkable the people behind our service members are,” said Loken, a military wife and mom. “I’m sure the tales will inspire others to find their own way to have a lasting impact.”

Each chapter is written from the perspective of a different military spouse author with a focus on their own personal journey. While the writers are scattered in locations throughout the U.S. and overseas, they all share the common thread of seeing the firsthand evolution of the homefront during continuous wartime operations.  The book is also a charitable endeavor. 100% of the proceeds of the sale of the book will go toward charities picked by each author.

I had a chance to interview Cara Loken to learn more.

Why did you decide to write this book?

I kept hearing stories about how spouses were making a difference in their community and families while conquering their own daily challenges. The book was created because I thought Americans had a right and duty to know how truly remarkable military spouses are; these stories need to be told, and they need to be remembered. I hope it will inspire others to find their own way to leave an imprint and to tell their stories in their own ways.

What is the significance of 9/11 for military families?

When 9/11 happened, many current service members were still in grade school. What that means is that for the majority of current military families is that they have only know war, not peace. It is easy for the general public to not think about the current wars and conflicts the US is involved because the mainstream media doesn’t talk about it. Service members are always deploying, always coming and going, and we are still losing Americans in combat. Military families bear the brunt of the wars with little to zero support or recognition from the civilian population. Part of the reason for this book to ensure we keep telling the stories. The wars are not over. Neither is our service member’s sacrifice.   

How can non-military families support military spouses?

Since there are so few current military families, the best way for non-military families to support us is just to realize that we are different; not better, just different. When a non-military spouse complains about their significant other being gone for work to a few weeks, while that can certainly be difficult, try to remember that many of us have had our spouses deployed in combat zones for many months, and sometimes years. That is something that non-military families and spouses have difficulty trying to imagine. We just want to everyone to realize that what we have to deal with sometimes is not normal.

  

Why is it important to support military families even if someone isn't fond of military action?

Current service members are all volunteers. No one is forced to join the military anymore. However, most joined with some notion of service to the country. Part of that service is following the orders of the officers appointed over them. Do you know who always wants to avoid war, to avoid fighting at all costs? Military members! They are the ones that will fight and sometimes become wounded or die. When our spouses and family members sign up to defend the nation, they do so with the understanding that it may involve the ultimate sacrifice. It’s the most honorable thing an American can do.

“Behind the Scenes” is now available for purchase online on Amazon.

###

To learn more about the project along with biographies on the authors, visit ourFacebook page.