McAteer Letter a Bright Spot

Dear Editor:

This is a letter to the Editor in response to MILITARY SPOUSES-THEY SERVE, TOO authored by Mr. Ed McAteer.

The article written by Mr. Ed McAteer was a bright spot in my day. I believe I can speak for many military spouses that we appreciate Mr. McAteer taking the time to acknowledge the important role that we spouses have contributed down through the years. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Mr. McAteer.

To be the spouse of a military person was an honor and a privilege for me. As a mother of five sons, I chose to be a stay-at-home mom, hoping that it would compensate for my husband's absence while overseas. I am very proud of my husband, David and the sacrifices he made as a warrior for our county. During his 21 years of service (3 years in the Navy and 18 in the Army) he spent three tours of duty in war zones. Many times he was away for short periods on TDY (temporary duty) assignments. At times it was difficult, but with the help of friends, family, prayers, and God's blessings, we can say, it was worth it all.

We are obviously a military family. Not only did my David serve in the U.S. Army but our oldest son, David III served a tour of duty with the Army after high school and now his son, our grandson, David IV, is in the Army, and returned the last week of October from Iraq after completing his second tour of duty.

After our sons were grown, and at the young age of 48, I pursued a career of my own. Yes, you guessed it. My job was with Civil Service and I've been honored to work with the Marines, Navy and the Air Force. The last 10 years of my career were spent at Tyndall Air Force Base. In my opinion, military people are the finest people in the world. The respect, dedication, and unselfish commitment I observed through my civil service career is beyond words.

I am so proud to be an American. To live in America--a free country where we can vote without harassment, worship as we choose, and live without fear-- is the greatest privilege in the world. In closing, I want to say "Thank You" to all our military, past and present, as we observe Veterans Day, for making so many sacrifices for us so we can live in this wonderful land of the free and home of the brave that we call AMERICA.

Faye Thompson

Mexico Beach