in honor of veterans day by carissa Marine

Not only do we honor our veterans and celebrate Thanksgiving during this month, but it is fitting that November is also Military Family Appreciation Month. It is difficult to find sanity between the reality of how challenging the military lifestyle is and the narcissistic view of just sucking it up because it’s life. As history is doomed to repeat itself, we have seen the homicide, suicide, divorce, and PTSD rates within the military escalate over the recent years. The lifestyle of long, repetitive deployments has been referred to as the “new normal”, and only recently are we seeing the “new normal” pace receding. However, there is nothing normal about military life at all. Most of us do not marry our spouses with the desire to live months on end apart, or raise our children as single parents. Similar to what families of police officers and fire fighters experience, having someone in dress uniform approach your house stops your heart. Yet out of pride for our country, love for our spouses, and care for our children, we persevere. The joy of being a military spouse is felt beyond that perseverance through searching for the positives in this unique lifestyle, finding the humor in the chaos, treasuring the moments you have with your spouse, and getting the most out of the military community. So, in a world where it is all too easy to get caught up in our own lives, gain a broader perspective from the experiences of a veteran; be reminded that “this too shall pass” from a seasoned spouse; or lighten the heart of a young wife who is feeling distraught, alone and overwhelmed. Take advantage of this holiday that commemorates our veterans and ask someone about their story. Be encouraged by our nation’s strong military history, the brave warriors who willingly serve and sacrifice, and the invaluable support you offer as a military spouse. Allow for a day of remembrance of those who gave all; party with the military members close to you; and enjoy the holiday in celebration of all you do and stand for as a military spouse. Celebrate our military family, in honor of Veterans Day!

Born in California, but raised in West Africa by missionary parents, Carissa Marine attended an international school in Cote d’Ivoire. Upon graduating from high school, she moved to San Diego, CA and earned a bachelor’s degree in Education from PLNU in 2002. She married her husband, a United States Marine, that same summer. As a military spouse, Carissa has held teaching credentials in several states, moved more times than years married, endured several of her husband’s deployments, and given birth to her children in three separate states. Carissa has a passion for military families, and her favorite aspect of being a military spouse is meeting amazing people from all walks of life. Her most trying experience so far was giving birth to her son during one of her husband’s deployments; and she hopes to never have to top it. Carissa will be writing Spouse Silhouette, a MilSpeak Memo column, to encourage, challenge, and lighten the hearts of military spouses.
Carissa’s first children’s book The Little Marine and the Flag was released in November, 2008, and she is excited to see where writing takes her, and, of course, the people she will meet along the way.