VIEW FROM THE TOP >> Moms – Our biggest fans

By Col. Mark Vlahos
314th Airlift Wing vice commander


Whenever someone introduces me as a guest speaker by reading my bio, typically, the first thing I say is "I wish my mother was here ... she would believe half of that!" This is because our moms ARE our biggest fans.

In 1907, a schoolteacher from Philadelphia named Anna Jarvis decided to find a way to pay tribute to her mother, Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis. After soliciting the help of hundreds of legislators and well-known business leaders, Mrs. Jarvis was able to honor her mother in a quiet church service with white carnations – her mother's favorite flower. Her continued effort to garner more national recognition for mothers was rewarded when in 1914 President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May a national holiday to appreciate mothers.

There are approximately 64,000 women in the Air Force, many of whom are mothers. There are also many mothers supporting a spouse in uniform.

We owe a lot to these women because of their dedication to the mission at work and for their dedication to the mission of raising the future generation at home. Many endure long separations from their children in defense of freedom. Others who are supporting a spouse in uniform often endure long separations and take on responsibilities normally shared by two.

While we've come a very long way in the area of family support, it is the stay-behind mom who bears the brunt of the separation caused by deployments. Many mothers are too proud to ask for help even if they need it – they power through problems on their own. The job of a mother, in or out of uniform, is the toughest job but one that is much respected and appreciated in our society. My hat's off to all mothers out there!

Mothers are increasingly organizing to leverage their support and influence in the country. Several organizations such as Blue Star Mothers of America began their support of the nation's military men and women during WW II and it has continued through to today's Global War on Terrorism. Mothers Against Drunk Driving is dedicated to keeping drunks from getting behind the wheel of a car and putting themselves and the lives of others, especially children, at risk. The "soccer mom" remains a significant voting bloc in national elections and according to consultant Mary Bailey, mothers control 85 percent of household spending which amounts to $2.1 trillion in annually. When mothers speaks on matters of safety, convenience and appropriateness, corporate America listens.

Mothers are leaders. They lead in the home, in the boardroom and classroom, on the frontline and home front. They raise the nation's future leaders with a special mixture of nurture and discipline. We are better individuals and a stronger nation because of the love and leadership they provide.

Have a great, safe weekend and remember to take time on Sunday to thank all those who fulfill the role of mother in our lives. Combat Airlift!