The Sacrifices of Soldiers

Devoting oneself to serving their country during the war is an inexplicably selfless sacrifice. To value the safety of the greater American population over one’s welfare requires an immense sense of nobility and compassion present in only a select group of dedicated individuals. The commitment of a soldier, however, is further deepened as a more personal factor influences their work: their family. Primarily for soldiers with young children, the act of serving in the military extends beyond an individual sacrifice, as it isolates parents and often eliminates the ability to physically connect with their loved ones during fundamental years of development. On the rare occasions in which soldier parents can return home, their priority is, naturally, to reunite with their kids; the reactions of these children upon recognizing their parents never fail to bring tears to the eye.

The Reunion

The thrill and raw emotions expressed by children when reunited with their parents are unparalleled. Young children, especially, have difficulty coping with the absence of a parent and the inevitable risk involved with military service, making the return of the soldier all the more impactful. On January 29th, 2024, two elementary-aged children were given a priceless surprise at their elementary school assembly: their father, Tech Sergeant Dustin Unger, had unexpectedly returned from 4 months overseas and was eager to see his son and daughter. His excitement was reciprocated entirely by his young children, who immediately rushed to hug their father and broke down into tears out of pure joy. It is undeniably difficult for a soldier to serve in the military, but the sacrifices of Sergeant Unger’s wife and children, having to continue a normal life with an immense pillar of stability absent from the home, is indisputably notable; These struggles make a soldier’s eventual return even more emotional and heartfelt, restoring peace to their family.

The Impact

The impact of these family reunions extends far beyond the soldiers and their children; Regular people throughout the nation feel an immense sense of compassion and sympathy when witnessing these heartfelt connections. The reunions promote an enhanced appreciation for the value of family, especially when people are exposed to such situations in which a unified family is not possible due to military service. Additionally, these touching moments evoke a refined sense of respect for the veterans and soldiers of America. Though their hardships and devotion are consistently recognized by the public, these glimpses into their sacrifices truly depict the nature of selfless service and the value of family.