Our son’s service with the Massachusetts Army National Guard has meant a lot to him over the past seven years. As his final days as a soldier approach, I continue to pay my respects to him and all military members, past and present.
When our son Sgt. Yahman chose to enlist in the Massachusetts National Guard, I proudly attended his enlistment ceremony, confident in his decision to serve our country. His military career as a civilian soldier is characterized by his dedication to his military duties and professional career. During his activations with the MA National Guard in response to COVID-19 and in Washington, D.C. — where he provided security and logistics support in the nation’s capital — our son put his service first.
In honor of him, I seek ways to support active military and veterans. While offering my helping hands, I also encourage support from friends, family and my community to lift soldiers’ spirits.
What I’ve learned
Who knew that with our son’s service, I’d be starting a military journey of my own? As a proud National Guard mom, I’m an advocate for military families. Through writing and integrating service projects in schools to support service members and veterans, I paved a way for myself that allows me to serve.
A project for which I am most proud is Gratitude & Thanks, which I coordinated alongside Girl Scout Troop 40033 in Hadley, MA in 2018. Collaborating with this supportive troop, donated Girl Scout cookies and cards from students at neighboring schools were shared with soldiers and veterans. During the COVID-19 pandemic, collections were distributed to Massachusetts National Guard soldiers serving at the Veterans Home (formerly the Soldiers’ Home) in Holyoke, MA, as well as to front-line workers at regional hospitals, and to Operation Gratitude, based in Chatsworth, CA.
While planning projects similar to Gratitude & Thanks or attending military ceremonies and parades, I make my voice of appreciation heard. As a guest speaker during Veterans Day and Memorial Day assemblies at schools, I encourage students to write heartfelt messages to our military, just as I did when visiting my father, an Army veteran, at his assisted living facility. I offer firm handshakes of gratitude to his comrades for their service, and pass them an American flag, just as I do with my veteran neighbor.
Taking it all in
As our son’s timeline to complete his service nears, I have mixed feelings. I’ll miss our military bond; however, I’ll always honor and respect his service. I’ll do this by volunteering with Wreaths Across America, supporting Veterans Associations by collecting donations of canned goods and toiletry supplies, and proudly delivering donations to veterans homes as I wear my prized National Guard cap.
It is of utmost importance to continue researching ways to maintain my connection with the military. I choose to invest in supporting soldiers near and far, as well as retired military personnel.
While my son will always be a proud veteran, I will always be his proud National Guard mom. As I marvel at one of our favorite reunion photos from his completion of basic training, I extend my sincere appreciation and gratitude to our son — and all who serve.
