I am a Guard Wife

    It was my hand that caught up the plow my husband let fall when he answered the call at Lexington and Concord. Through the dark years of our country’s birth, I fought too – working the land, rearing the children, nursing the sick and wounded, conservator of the life for which he fought. For I am a Guard Wife and I am proud.
    For 200 years in every armed conflict, I have said goodbye with aching heart and smiling face when my husband went to war. I knew the perilous days of 1812 and suffered the searing agony of the Civil War. Through the holocaust of two World Wars, I waited, lonely and fearful. Yet I never despaired for I knew the stubborn will of the Guardsman. I know the shining courage which makes him so valiant a soldier and I have matched it with my woman’s courage that deals with the living, not dying, shouldering added responsibilities, holding the family together, bolstering morale, preserving the American Ideal in a world at war. I am a Guard Wife and I am proud.
    In peace, I work beside my civilian soldier to build a better world. I put aside the annoyances of drill weekends and camp periods. For I know that these make him the bone and sinew of our country’s defenses. I know he is learning the skills and discipline that make him ready in emergencies. When he protects others from danger, preserves the peace or gives comfort and aid in disaster, I understand and give him my support. For that has always been my job: nurturer, comforter and healer. I am a Guard Wife and I am proud.
    When I hear the fearful talk of abuse of power growing into dictatorship or read stories of military take-over, I am not afraid for my country. For I know the Guard: trained, skilled and strong, each man matured and strengthened in the home I have helped to build, to be tough, independent-thinking and self-reliant. Civilian-Builder. Soldier-Protector. Custodian of Democracy. By his side I stand, Wife of a Hero, Mother of Generations, Keeper of Ideals, Custodian of the Future. I do not fear for the United States of America, for I am a Guard Wife and I am proud.
    Editor’s note: This article was written by Harriet A. Daffron, a wife of a military member from Iowa ARNG. It was submitted by Heather Maker to her husband, 1st Sgt. Harold L. Maker.