Written by Angela Caban,

Sara Dawson has been an Army wife for two months, but was enlisted herself for 4 years. She has dealt with many separations from her husband while they dated for 6 years; 2 remotes to Japan for 8 months each and 2 deployments. During the past 2 years Sara has been active within the community offering support to other military spouses as well as being an active volunteer for a new upcoming site. Sara is just another example at how much courage and strength it takes to be a military spouse. It is a great honor to have Sara represent the Army spouses all over in her “Life of a Military Wife”.

What do you find is the biggest challenge you have faced while your husband is gone?

The biggest challenge I have faced while my husband is gone is staying focused with civilian life. Since I consider myself a civilian since leaving the Army, it’s a hard adjustment to just sit home and wait for him to return. I feel like I should also be out here, but the choice we made is for the best. I have now found that balance between civilian life and military life I have been looking for.

What do you wish that civilians knew about your life as a military wife?

Being a former soldier myself, I know for a fact that military spouses are the strongest people I have ever met. They are capable of doing anything with or without children and just amazes me. Where do we get our strength and why? The experiences we are made to deal with makes us this way and we don’t know how to be strong until we have no choice, then we just have to.

What is something that people can do for military wives?

Lend a helping hand if you know a military spouse. Whether they need help or not, it’s important for us to feel as if the community cares and we know we can count on your support. This should not end when the spouse returns, civilians especially should show their support and thanks.

What type of advice would you give other military wives?

Ensure that no matter what is happening or going o in your life, take the time to take care of yourself. Get out of the house and meet other spouses going through the same thing. They can be your strength and support if you feel like you don’t have any.

What inspired you to take such an active role in supporting other spouses?

Because I was in the Army for 4 years, I saw how many time Reserve and Guard soldiers deployed and left their spouses at home with no support. I wanted to make sure that I offered my knowledge or just a shoulder to lean on to all military families who needed it. My volunteer work with a new site is also going to help encourage and support military spouses and families all over the country.

Looking at your life today, would you have done anything differently?

NEVER! I thank God for the opportunities and experiences he has given me. I love my life, country and husband with all my heart. There are days when it gets tough, but that’s life and I truly would not have it any other way.
 

Want to be interviewed for my next column of “Life of a Military Wife”, submit your story to angela@angelacaban.com.
For more on Angela Caban, visit her website at www.angelacaban.com.

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