Final Thoughts Friday: Remembering All Who Serve – Veterans and Their Families

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending Marchant Real Estate’s quarterly networking lunch in Greenville, SC. With Veterans Day approaching, veterans were recognized, and the guest speaker was Major General Robin B. Stilwell, South Carolina’s Adjutant General, who shared insightful and heartfelt remarks about service, sacrifice, and the meaning of Veterans Day.

Major General Stilwell spoke about the vital role the National Guard and SC National Guard play in our nation’s overall defense — both abroad and here at home in South Carolina. He reminded us that the Guard’s mission goes far beyond responding to natural disasters or emergencies. The South Carolina National Guard is an essential part of our nation’s defense structure, serving alongside active-duty forces at our borders, in Washington DC and around the world while continuing to protect and support our communities right here at home.

But it was his reflection on Veterans Day that resonated most deeply with me. He shared how meaningful it is for veterans to be recognized and thanked for their service, whether by friends or strangers. And then he added something that struck a personal chord:

“This Veterans Day, when you thank a veteran for their service, please be sure to thank their family too.”

As the daughter of a U.S. Army officer — an “Army brat” born in Karachi, Pakistan, that message touched me. Growing up, our family packed up and moved every few years, sometimes sooner. While there were many advantages to life in a military family — adventure, resilience, exposure to new places and cultures, there are also sacrifices. The parent left behind to carry the load at home. Children adapting to new schools, new friends, and often saying goodbye just as quickly as they said hello, and holidays and life events spent away from extended family.

Many times, my mom would temporarily relocate us (my brother, sister, and me) to St. Augustine, Florida where my parents were from. We would start the school year there while my father moved ahead to his next duty station and secured housing. Once everything was ready, we would pack up again to join him – and start a new school, again.

At the time, it was simply life — the only one I knew. I didn’t see it as unusual. But looking back, I understand now the quiet strength it demanded of every member of a military family. There were missed birthdays, long deployments, and many moments of worry mixed with pride.

And yet, despite it all, I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything. It shaped who I am and deepened my respect for those who serve — both in uniform and at home.

So, this Veterans Day, when you offer your gratitude to a veteran, take a moment to thank their spouse, their children, and their loved ones, too. Because service is a family commitment — and their sacrifice deserves to be honored just the same.

As I reflect on that message, my heartfelt thanks go to my late father, whose service and love of family and country shaped the foundation of who I am — and to my mother, who carried the weight of his absence with quiet grace, strength, and devotion. Her supporting role was every bit as vital to our family’s story of service. This Veterans Day, I’ll be thinking of both of them with deep gratitude and pride, along with all the other veterans and their families.

Photo: circa 1965, El Paso TX - my father holding me, my brother and a neighbor attending an air show.