FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
Each year, the Department of Defense recognizes military families during the Month of the Military Child celebration in April. Servicemembers with children can take this opportunity to spend time with them while learning about the importance of family resiliency and readiness.
Commanders across the Armed Forces coordinate with units to plan numerous events, ranging from picnics and parades to recreational fairs and fun festivals, to celebrate the sacrifices these young heroes make.
Sara Jane Arnett knows these sacrifices all too well, understanding how having a parent in the military can affect children.
Her husband, Capt. Samuel Arnett, the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Army Support Activity commander, was set to deploy in December 2009, after moving the family to Virginia the summer before. The short time frame left them and their sons, 3-year-old Gammon and 6-month-old Harrison, with just a few months to get settled.
She knew the boys would be okay during her husband's deployment, based on their young ages. But Gammon, now 5 years old, has grown very close to his father.
She researched deployment resources for children and found little. Determined, she found inspiration to write a book about it.
To share her experiences with others alike, she wrote her first book, "My Daddy's a Soldier," about the relationship between a father and son and how they use good memories to help them through the sad times during a deployment.
She said the overall experience has been surprisingly rewarding for her.
"This has been such a positive experience for my entire family," she said. "The military community, including Army Community Service, Operation Homefront and the USO, have already shown tremendous support, and I am very appreciative. I had hoped that the book would be well received, but the support from family and friends has truly been overwhelming."
While rewarding, Sara Jane's journey has been hectic. Finding time and energy to balance family life, writing her book and continuing her education is difficult.
"Trying to find a balance between my family, the book, going back to school, and just life in general is my toughest challenge," she expressed. "I've always liked challenges, so I'm starting to get the hang of it, but I find as long as my heart is in whatever I do, the rewards will totally outweigh the challenge itself. You have to find a way or make one."
Even with the bustle of being a military wife and mother, Sara Jane still finds time to volunteer.
She has worked with the Fort Eustis ACS on spousal retreats, the Flagship News Spouse Focus Panel, the Transitions Family Violence Services organization and the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce's Military Spouse Committee.
Sara Jane said the intended audience is military children, but any child that has to deal with the separation of a parent can benefit from reading it. The book highlights some of the emotions that accompany loneliness.
Once the final copy is released to the public, she hopes for positive reviews from parents and children.
"My truest hope is that families will use the book as a resource helping them through the sad times," she said. "Because of the beautiful and real-life illustrations, it will be easier to connect to the characters making the story believable. I have a feeling 'My Daddy's a Soldier' will quickly become a family favorite."