Team Seymour family gives thanks

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class John Nieves Camacho
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Family members play a critical support role to their Service members throughout their military service.

The President of the United States signs a proclamation every year to declare November as Military Family Month, to recognize and commemorate military families throughout the month for their continued support and sacrifice to the nation.

"Just as our troops embody the courage and character that make America's military the finest in the world, their family members embody the resilience and generosity that make our communities strong," said President Barack Obama. "They serve with heroism in their homes and neighborhoods while they are without the comfort of having loved ones nearby."

Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Anderson, 4th Fighter Wing command post controller, has been serving in the Air Force for 15 years. Her husband, Stephen Anderson, 4th Force Support Squadron lodging maintainer, has been by her side for her entire career. Stephen said he appreciates the opportunities given to military spouses.

"My time working for the Air Force has benefitted me greatly," Stephen said. "All the different services helped us make the transition to go from base to base by helping us get situated. It also allowed me to supply for my family by working a steady job."

Jennifer also shared her experiences in the military, and how it positively affected her life and what she intends to do throughout the remainder of her enlistment.

"The military has provided me with stability," Jennifer said. "It has given me structure, I feel safe and secure, especially for my kids."

While traveling around the United States, Jennifer explains the impact it's had on her two children.

"The military has given us the opportunity to expose them to a lot of different cultures, people and places," Jennifer said. "We are unique as a military family because we have friends everywhere."

While the Anderson family was stationed at Travis Air Force Base, Jennifer said that they grew their network exponentially at the chapel by serving in the congregation and volunteering for events. The Andersons added that while serving at the chapel, they made friends with individuals from different parts of the world, such as Africa, Guam and the Philippines, and learned about their cultures.

Jennifer has deployed six times and said although the deployments were stressful and hard, she is blessed for the Service members she was surrounded by and the experience she gained. She also noted that she plans on staying in the Air Force until she reaches her 20-year mark.

"Ultimately I want to go through the nurse enlisted commissioning program," Jennifer said. "I would love to continue to serve the Air Force as a nurse after I retire. If I can't reach it while I'm still in, I will go to nursing school after my enlistment."

The Anderson family is just one of many who have been positively affected by the military lifestyle, the benefits, such as healthcare, that assisted them and the services that helped them along the way.

To recognize all the military families here at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, a block party will be held Nov. 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring carnival games, face painting, bouncy castles and much more.