[brian]

Reservist faces a tug-of-war

Nurse pulled in different directions by duty, motherhood

As Whitney -- mother, nurse and soldier -- surveys her mannered garden, she is trying to resolve the conflicting needs of American soldiers wounded by roadside bombs and the undeniable needs of the 2-year-old son she holds in her arms.

Whitney, a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve, is torn by an unexpected turn of events and is stretched to the limit by seemingly incompatible loyalties -- all set off by a letter from the Army that arrived in December.

Her finely honed commitment to honor, duty and patriotism is being matched against her equally strong instincts of motherhood and family. At the same time, she has deep feelings of disillusionment with the Army, to which she owes so much allegiance and gratitude, for changing the rules.

Tucked among a barrage of Christmas cards and catalogs, the official letter notified Whitney that the Army had a new set of circumstances that affected her life and status.

Full Story: Nurse pulled in different directions by duty, motherhood [CNN]

[SmilingBluEyes]

Her story could be mine. Being a parent in the military is beyond difficult.

I chose a different path, however. I got out after 10 years' military service, because the military comes first, not family. I gave up a very lucrative and bright career and it was one of the hardest choices I ever made. But, I wanted my kids to come first and be there for them through all their milestones. I knew in the Air Force, that would not ever happen, esp seeing as they wanted to send me to Korea alone for a year when my son was 3 months old.

We all have to find what works. My hat is off to any serviceman or woman and the sacrifices he/she and their family makes. It's NEVER easy.