by Mr. Jay L.

Created on: March 06, 2007   Last Updated: April 23, 2007

Uniforms. For many people they represent safety and security. Uniforms represent stability, reliability, and competence; they are the outer representation of what the public of what the public expects of the individual wearing the uniform.

In the days following September 11th, the label of hero and guardian became synonymous with firefighters, police, and soldiers. High expectations for those who wear the uniform became higher, and the pressure to be on top of the game grew intense. The mantle of defender and hero can easily become a burden that can grind an individual down.

I can personally attest to the fact that being a soldier in a post 9/11 world is not an easy job. The hours suck, the pay stinks, the benefits keep getting cut, and danger lurks (often unseen) around any corner. As a soldier, you are often expected to achieve mission goals with limited support, limited funds, outdated equipment, and often-insufficient sleep, while some "superior" pinhead is screaming at you to work faster, harder, and smarter. The work is frequently dirty and almost always thankless though to those who understand what it means to serve an ideal, little thanks is needed and is often not required.

To whom can these people turn to when the pressure becomes too much to bear? To whom can one turn to when the entire population relies on you?

It is to the wives that those fortunate to have one turn to in the search for comfort. These men and women, frankly, outrank the best friend, closest girlfriend, and dearest family member; a wife knows her husband better than anybody else on the planet and, if the marriage is strong, she is a man's best friend and dearest family member.

I say the truest hero, the wife of a soldier, is the most unsung hero in the world. She must watch her husband leave and accept the possibility he may not return, or may return brutally maimed (physically and/or psychologically). She is aware that at any time of the day or night her husband may receive a phone call, and may be in some unknown and dangerous place on the other side of the world the next day. And, when the man does return, she must provide all the comfort and understanding that she has been longing for to a man who may have seen and done some horrible things, and often must place her needs second to his.

And, if the soldier does not return, she has to be the strength and comfort for the children as they try to understand why daddy isn't coming home.

I believe that the wives (and husbands) of soldiers, firemen, and the police all deserve medals and the highest regard of those around them even the ones to whom marriage ended in divorce (for almost and I stress almost any reason). These women and men sacrifice more of their heart's blood than anyone.

Even though I no longer wear the uniform, I salute you all with the utmost respect, the highest regard, and deepest gratitude.

Learn more about this author, Mr. Jay L..
Click here to send this author comments or questions.