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Show H.iitcp Tines Feb. E. COMMENTS 1991. o iftsimiiiJD t) LI Unlike previous U.S. conflicts, no time to anticipate deployment by Alice Crittenden Special to tfte H.nicp Times Whoever imagined one man named Hussein could cause such upheaval, confusion and anger all in one unexpected swift action of events? This world has never engaged in a similar massive rapid deployment as the one we have collectively experienced since early August. History is supposed to repeat itself. All other deployments and wars gave military family members time to prepare. Before, there was always time to anticipate the shocking modifications necessary in family life to adapt mentally, emotionally and financially for war. But this one gave no warning. Military family members are an elite force. They come in all sizes and shapes, run across a wide spectrum of economic classes, and form large families and small. They have always sent their valiant men and women off to fight with d eyes and pride in their anxious, hurting hearts. Their men and women served even though they really didn't want to during the Vietnam War. Family members had to take unwarranted ridicule. It wasn't their fault the war started. They, for the most part, wrapped loving arms around those who returned home safely, who n conditions for fought and lived in all of us. Medals, memorials, waving flags, holidays, and tears show gratitude for the wonderful people willing to risk their lives in defense of this country. Medals, memorials, waving flags, holidays and tears show gratitude for the wonderful people willing to risk their lives in defense of this country. But now it is time to write a memorial to all military family members of yesterday and the many eras beyond recollection. T But now it is time to write a memorial to all military family members of yesterday and the many eras beyond recollection. Their smiles of confidence and praise encircle the globe to keep soldiers' sometimes faltering hearts uplifted. Somehow military family members have been able to miraculously memorize exactly what goes into a mobility bag, along with all the other small intrinsic personal items a deploying military member needs. They lovingly pack notes of endearment and photographs depicting loved ones and cherished events, to hold hearts and souls together while they are away. They pack treasured snacks from home, those not available abroad. Most have slipped a Bible, along with prayers, into their mobility bags. The political, international and business ends of things have always taken precedence. Family members have stayed home. They have been tear-fille- sub-huma- forgotten. But they are like oak trees that shed their leaves in autumn -- strong, with ever)' root embedded deeply into the soil, always surviving the storms to continue each spring with new strength and vitality. They endure sleepless, lonely nights of fear and nightmares, only to rise to expected daily responsibilities. That itself is a feat of endurance. Their loss of appetite or even nausea reflects sheer terror, wondering if loved ones will ever come home. Spouses' keen ability to answer imploring questions from the hearts of children who don't understand why Daddy or Mommy is not home should earn them degrees in psychology. They, who have learned the fine art of mastering homes, depleted finances, children and what seems the world's problems, should have a memorial of their own -- in each country of the world. If it were not for them, to raise and support such patriotic men and women, dreams and ideas and governments wouldn't have a chance. that says, "U.S. Air Force There is a wife, the toughest job in the Air Force." That can be applied to military family members in any service of any country. The world needs to remember them and their part in the great plan. Hopefully there will be peace someday. But then, if the greed of human beings never subsides, there will always be the silent, proud and noble military spouses and family members who stood and do stand quietly in the background, sending the troops off to war. They are and always will be an elite force. T-sh- irt Editor's notes Ms. Crittenden is the wife of B. Crittenden of the 388th Equipment TSgt. Glen Maintenance Squadron. X r W HDS 9HB91 0038) SEP WHB Off? Bring this coupon to TEXACO TEXACO Clearfield & Carolyn's Yogurt Shop Tri-Ma- rt 4 4 Buy one yogurt and get the second of equal size FREE! (Expires 666 No. Main 3191) Clearfield 776-176- 7 .3 CROSSROADS OF THE WEST yyyyyyy. yyyyyyyy.yyy;tt ..r-:--- : SALT PALACE 4 4 4 i V 4 1. BUY THIS AT NADA WHOLESALE tm IPdMESSCME v.vAV.v.v.v.v.5v-v.v.v.v.v..v.v,.- Xyy S E. 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