How The Longest War In History Affected Military Family In Love, Loss, And The

War is a complex and devastating phenomenon that has shaped the course of history. In the annals of warfare, few conflicts have endured as long as the ongoing global war on terrorism, making it the longest war in history. This prolonged engagement has not only altered the geopolitical landscape but has also profoundly affected the lives of military families.

The Sacrifices Made by Military Families

The men and women who serve in the armed forces often leave behind their loved ones to answer the call of duty. Deployments that stretch for months and even years have become commonplace, exposing military families to unprecedented challenges. The emotional toll of separation can cause significant strain on relationships, leading to profound changes in the dynamics of love and loss.

Love on the Frontlines

Love is a powerful force that can both strengthen and preserve relationships, even in the face of adversity. Military families, however, must navigate the complexities of maintaining emotional connections while living in a state of constant uncertainty. Communication between deployed service members and their families is limited, often relying on sporadic phone calls, emails, or handwritten letters. This lack of direct contact can leave loved ones craving connection, amplifying the intensity of their emotions.

15 Years of War: How the Longest War in U.S. History Affected a Military Family in Love, Loss, and the Cost of Service

by Kristine Schellhaas(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	17424 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	442 pages
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Spouses left at home must face the challenges of maintaining a household, raising children, and making crucial decisions without the physical presence and emotional support of their partners. This responsibility can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of isolation and stress. In some instances, the strain becomes too much to bear, resulting in the dissolution of marriages and shattered dreams of a happily ever after.

Loss and Grief

War brings with it the reality of loss. Military families are not exempt from the grief that accompanies the ultimate sacrifices made by brave soldiers. The pain of losing a loved one in battle can be unbearable, leaving families to navigate the complexities of grief while still shouldering the demands of everyday life.

In addition to the loss of life, the visible and invisible wounds of war can leave service members profoundly changed upon their return home. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other psychological traumas affect not only the individuals who have served but also their families. Witnessing the struggles of a loved one in pain can create an overwhelming burden for the entire family unit, amplifying the challenges they face.

Support and Resilience

Despite the hardships faced by military families, there is a resilient spirit that prevails. Communities and organizations have recognized the importance of providing the necessary support systems to help these families cope with the unique challenges they encounter.

Military support groups, counseling services, and programs designed for veterans and their families have been instrumental in fostering resilience and aiding in the healing process. Various initiatives aim to strengthen the bonds between military families and their communities, creating a sense of belonging and solidarity that can help lessen the impact of the longest war in history.

The weight of war is not confined to the battleground; it resonates within the hearts and souls of military families. Love, loss, and resilience are at the forefront of their experiences, forever changing the lives of those who sacrifice for the greater good. As society continues to confront the effects of the longest war in history, it is imperative to offer unwavering support to these families and honor their sacrifices with gratitude and understanding.

15 Years of War: How the Longest War in U.S. History Affected a Military Family in Love, Loss, and the Cost of Service

by Kristine Schellhaas(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	17424 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	442 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

“First-time author Schellhaas presents a moving memoir of her life with her husband, Ross . . . after [he] is deployed to Iraq after the events of 9/11.” —Publishers Weekly
 
Less than 1 percent of our nation will ever serve in our armed forces, leaving many to wonder what life is really like for military families.
 
He answers the call of duty in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Pacific; she keeps the home fires burning. Worlds apart, and in the face of indescribable grief, their relationship is pushed to the limits.
 
15 Years of War provides a unique he said/she said perspective on coping with war in modern-day America. It reveals a true account of how a dedicated Marine and his equally committed spouse faced unfathomable challenges and achieved triumph, from the days just before 9/11 through fifteen years of training workups, deployments, and other separations.
 
This story of faith, love, and resilience offers insight into how a decade and a half of war has redefined what it means to be a military family.
 
“[A] tough-minded but open-hearted memoir . . . a frank description of what it takes for a spouse and family to support a soldier. The Schellhaases’ story is deeply personal and unique, but it will resonate with other families, both civilian and military.” —Foreword Magazine
 
“Kristine Schellhaas is a beautiful and transcendent voice of truth and consequence, and her memoir, 15 Years of War, should be required reading for every American who wants to understand just exactly what they have asked of the chosen 1 [percent].” —Angela Ricketts, author of No Man’s War: Irreverent Confession of an Infantry Wife