She Magazine JULY 2016 | Page 112

Cindy Orr contributing writer Title? My Son, the Brave My son, Joshua, is smart, intelligent, soft hearted, last son to move out of the house, so it was harder to see him aeronautic industry, both in the National Guard and in future loving and kind; a true Southern Christian gentleman. leave. The house was quiet, and the things I missed most were civilian life. But whatever the future holds, you can be sure It warms my heart just to see that displayed in ways like hold- hearing him playing his guitar in his room, family time at the that his wife and son, his family, and the Lord will be at the ing the door open for a lady, how he speaks with respect to table and enjoying watching some of our favorite TV programs center of it. I try to encourage him and support him in pursuing elders and especially how he treats his wife. He is quiet and or movies. Even if I cannot reach out and touch him, I always his dreams no matter where that might lead. soft spoken. He tends to keep a lot to himself but shares his feel better when I can hear his voice. While he was away, it was Our relationship has naturally changed over the years, as he thoughts when he is ready to. He is also a perfectionist and prayer and faith in the Lord that saw me through, reminding has matured and devotes time to his family and career. He has strong willed. Once he sets his mind to do something, he gives me that God has the ultimate control over my son’s life and helped me to grow and to understand better the importance it his all and it has to be done just right, whether it is learning his safety. of his work and how meaningful his job is to other people and the guitar (self-taught) or in his field of work. He is a wonderful our nation. I respect him as a man and as an American Soldier. I guess I still thought of him as a teenager. However, on Having a son in the military, especially at deployment time, In 2005, at age 22, he decided join the S.C. Army National graduation day, I did not see a teenager or a young man but a has inspired me to not only pray for my son, but to also be- Guard. My first reaction was fear. I did not want to see my child man. I saw in him a new strength, maturity, confidence, pride, gin a prayer ministry at my church for all those who serve our go into a war zone, and I knew that was inevitable. It was a big and independence. country. husband and awesome father, and a terrific cook. life changing decision to make and I was very proud of him. I His original intention was to go full-time Army, but at that I am so very proud of the man my son has become. I am felt like I was losing my little boy, when in fact he was no longer point in time in his life, the National Guard became a better proud of his strength, his determination and his loyalty. He a little boy but a man. My first impulse was to talk him out of it, option. He had aspired to become an aircraft pilot. However, enjoys what he is doing and serves to the best of his ability but I chose to understand his reasons for making this decision childhood vision issues would not allow him to pursue that with confidence and pride. I have learned to let go a little and to respect him for it. He was engaged to be married at the goal. This did not deter Joshua from being the best he could and allow him to go where his heart leads. I know that there time and he was thinking about his future and providing for his be. He became an Apache aircraft mechanic, graduating with is so much potential to be achieved in his life, whether in the family, as well as his desire to serve his country. honors from advanced training and receiving commendations military or outside the military life. He has the talent and as he completed further training. His goal has always been to ability to excel at what he desires out of life. I believe he will be one of the best in his field. continue to advance in rank and be a strong leader. Most of all, His inspiration came from the most important men in his life. His maternal grandfather served in the Navy, his paternal grandfather was a 21-year Army veteran, his uncle He is currently a Staff Sergeant and mechanic on the I look forward to watching my son raise his son to be a good, was an 82nd Airborne veteran and his father-in-law is a retired CH-47D/F Chinook helicopters at the Army Aviation Support kind, loving and strong Christian young man who may one day Air Force veteran. Serving with his father in the State Guard, Facility at Donaldson Field in Greenville, South Carolina. Josh- follow in his dad’s footsteps. Joshua was the highest ranking cadet. He also grew up hear- ua has served tours in Iraq and in Afghanistan, and is currently To other military moms: have patience and learn to be ing stories about his great uncle who was a veteran of WWII stationed at the Donaldson Airfield in Greenville. Previous- flexible. You never know what and when things will happen and POW in a Nazi prisoner of war camp. These men have had ly, he was stationed at McEntire Air Base in Eastover, South with the military in regards to your son or daughter. Give them a strong influence in Joshua’s life and made an impression on Carolina. your endless love and support, and always make sure they At this point in time, his future is based on what is best for realize how proud you are of them. You may have to remind his family. Having his own son has changed the way he looks them to call or to write more often, but let them know you are Joshua reported for basic training at Fort Jackson near at things. He and his wife, Amy, have plans to settle down in always there for them. I certainly will always be there for my Columbia, South Carolina, in February 2006, and then later to the Greenville area as he continues his service as a full-time Joshua. Fort Eustis in Virginia for advanced training. Joshua was the National Guardsman. I believe that he intends to stay in the him regarding the military, by being an example and offering advice. When he left for basic training, he was still a young man; 114 JULY 2016 SHEMAGAZINE.COM