Family. It’s the center of everything and often the only thing in our lives that stays constant.
These are the words of military veteran and FACS mom, Catherine Williams.
On November 11, 2021, people across the United States of America thanked and honored veterans, those who have served in active U.S. military, naval or air service. At FACS, students decorated the halls in celebration of this day with signs of appreciation and honor. The example of service and sacrifice made by many is a shining example of what it means to serve one another humbly in love (Galatians 5:13).
In honor of Veteran’s Day, we asked Catherine, Field Artillery Surveyor for the Army National Guard, and her husband, Robert, who served as a Combat Medic in the U.S. Army for 13 years, to share about their experience and some of the lessons learned during their military service.
Q: Why did you choose to serve our country?
Robert: I wanted a stable job where I could help people.
Catherine: I know that I am called to serve and help others
Q: What was the best part of serving in the military?
Robert: Serving a higher purpose
Catherine: Getting to work with my best friends doing what we love
Q: What was the most challenging part of serving in the military?
Robert: Being away from family so much
Catherine: Knowing that what we learned could mean life or death for our team and others around us
Q: What do you think other non-military families should know about military families?
A: Military families and children endure much upheaval, change and long separations than most realize. Being a family really is one of the only things that remains a constant. That becomes most important.
Q: What has the military taught you?
Robert: The military makes you realize that simply being alive and together is better than a great vacation, big house or fancy car.
Catherine: Military service is beyond a career and becomes part of who we are well after our official service ends.
Robert and Catherine both work civilian jobs now, Robert for the Tennessee Department of Transportation, and Catherine as a Director of Supply Chain Management. They choose to call FACS their school home and community because of the sincerity of the teachers and staff to follow Christ’s message of love.
“It is important to celebrate Veterans’ Day because it helps us all remember those who serve our country with humility and purpose,” Catherine shared. “It also makes them feel recognized and appreciated for their sacrifice.”
Robert and Catherine, we salute you!
Honoring Our Veterans
Read more about 8 everyday ways you can honor someone who has served our country, published by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. And do not forget to thank and pray for military families.