Family -- our unsung heroes Published Sept. 28, 2011 By Maj. Michael T. Bryant 71st Comptroller Squadron commander VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Throughout my Air Force career, strangers have often approached me when I'm in uniform off-base and thanked me for my service. I usually get tongue tied and don't know what to say other than thanks for their support. To me, it doesn't seem like I'm making that big of a sacrifice. I'm just doing what I enjoy. It's an honor for me to serve our country, work with great people and be apart of something bigger than myself. It didn't dawn on me until recently that maybe it's the unwavering support from my family that has made my service so enjoyable. In my opinion, our families are the ones that we should really be thanking for their service. I know in my case, I would not be where I am today without the love and support of my family. Family has provided the solid foundation I need for a successful career. The strength and service of my wife and children have strengthened me in return and made my service that much more satisfying. Only lately have I thought about where I would be without my family's support. I guess you could say I've taken them for granted. Much to my benefit, my wife grew up an Air Force brat and already knew what to expect as the spouse of an active-duty Airman. As a child, she lived through the never-ending stream of events that try the patience of a family: deployments, exercises, inspection preparation, working after-hours, frequent moves and remote assignments. Of course, this is something thousands of other military families have done and what thousands will continue to be called upon to do. Even though I haven't had any remote assignments or very many deployments in my career, I've still missed quite a few birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and other special occasions due to TDYs, training, professional military education, etc. My oldest daughter has already moved four times during her school-age years. Although she's never complained about the different schools she has attended or my absence at important events, I have always felt guilty about this and recently apologized. She responded by telling me that she was proud of what I was doing and my service in the Air Force has given her experiences and opportunities that most kids her age would not get. It was a relief for me to hear her say that and after thinking about it, I'm sure other military families feel the same way. If they didn't, our military would not be the dominant and powerful force it is. We should all be grateful to our families for their service to the country. It is no less noteworthy than each service member's - it is in fact, perhaps more important. The men and women serving in America's military have dedicated their lives to ensuring the opportunity exists to raise our children in relative peace and prosperity. But it is our families who seize that opportunity, and make our service worthwhile. Let's not forget all they are left with when we are not there: help with homework, mowing the grass, changing diapers, balancing the checkbook, feeding the pets -- and kids -- soccer practice, maintenance of the house and car and acting as both mother and father. To all current and former service members, don't forget to thank your families for their love and dedication allowing you to serve honorably. Knowing that our loved ones are with us every step of the way is a critical element to our success and something we must always keep at the forefront of our minds.