Say thanks to military families

This weekend Mountain Home will celebrate its 52nd Air Force Appreciation Day.

In truth, it's not just the Air Force we celebrate, but every man or woman who wears the uniform of one of the branches of the armed forces of the United States. We just happen to be a little partial to our neighbors next door.

It's a strange job you accept when you join the military. Essentially, you agree to put yourself in harm's way -- to literally risk you life -- whenever Congress and/or the president decide they need your services. There's not too many jobs out there where there's a reasonable expectation (these days at least) that somebody is going to shoot at you. Or shell you. Or set off an IED or suicide vest somewhere in your vicinity.

With so many of the residents of this community having served in the military, it's no wonder that we set aside a special day to throw the community's largest party on their behalf. It's a tiny thing we do to show how much we appreciate those who serve.

But it's not just those who wear the uniform. The military services these days are not just soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, it's their families as well. The risks and hardships that military members face are faced equally by their spouses and children, who bear the added burden of missing them for lengthy periods of time when their loved one is deployed, and worrying about them constantly while they're gone. It's tough to be a spouse or child of a military member these days.

Those this weekend, while we praise those who serve in uniform, let's not forget to show our appreciation equally to those who stand beside them without a uniform. The military families are equally heroes. Every last one of them.

Say thanks to them for their service, as well.

-- Kelly Everitt