A Message for Military Dads

Our daughter recently answered a call from her dad, who is underway (deployed on a ship). The communication channels have been spotty, and the call was dropped after just a couple of minutes. I knew that the lost connection would be hard on her.

What I found next stopped me in my tracks.

Our kindergartener had recorded the most gut-wrenching video message to date. She had tears in her eyes and a shaky voice, crying out for him not to hang up on her. She told him how much she misses him and needs him. It was heartbreaking, but full of love. He was grateful for the touching message.

Military dads play a unique role, acting as a source of love and support both at home and away. This special role deserves recognition every day, but especially on Father’s Day. The sacrifices they make for the safety of our country are not overlooked, even by the smallest members of the family.

If you are a military dad, thank you!

The Role of a Military Dad in Everyday Moments

A father’s presence is one of the most important in a child’s life. They are role models, confidants, teachers, playmates, and more. Their presence in everyday life impacts children even in the smallest moments, like packing a lunch together or a hug before school.

But, military families know that presence isn’t limited to proximity. Phone calls, emails, and text messages mean the world when military dads must be separated from their children. Saying goodnight with a quick phone call during a military deployment or weekly email creates a routine that reminds children of their presence and adds a sense of stability.

When Military Moments Create Distance

Military deployments mean distance. The lack of proximity is challenging, especially when life is overwhelming, and the best remedy is a warm, comforting hug in Dad’s strong arms.

Military dads miss so much, but there are ways they can stay connected.

What Military Dads Miss

• Births
• Firsts (smile, words, walking, concerts, tournaments, and more)
• Birthdays
• Holidays
• Daily hugs
• Bedtime routines
• Dinner together at the table

How to Stay Connected

• Operation Kid Comfort – This Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) program creates custom photo quilts or pillowcases with images of the deployed parent. It’s a favorite for military kids!
• United Through Reading – Service members read and record storytime videos, connecting military families despite the distance.
• Phone & Video Calls – A quick good morning or good night can mean the world to the entire family.
• Pre-Recorded Videos – My husband recorded videos of himself playing peek-a-boo for our daughter when she was about a year old. It was adorable and provided a lot of comfort.
• Take a Friend on Deployment Adventures – Our child has small stuffed animals that resemble each of her dogs. These stuffies are taking turns on underways while Dad takes photos of himself with them on the ship and in port.
• Letters – Old school letters offer an emotional outlet and a great way to send Dad the latest masterpiece from art class.
• Care Packages – Sending snacks, photos, and other small mementos in a care package is a simple way to show that you care.

The distance created by military deployment isn’t just physical, it’s emotional. For families facing deployment for the first time, the emotional roller coaster can be intense. Kids miss their deployed parent. Spouses miss their partner. And solo parenting means managing everything alone, often feeling like you’re pouring from an empty cup.

While the tears of goodbye sting, the strength and resilience of military spouses and children shine through, reminding service members that they can execute their mission with their military families as their support.

Together, families carry the weight of military life.

What Military Families Carry Together

Military families share a strength that carries them through military deployments, Permanent Change of Stations (PCS) moves, separations from extended family and friends, and so much more.

Military spouses play a vital role in keeping the connection alive within military families. Coordinating schedules, keeping communication lines open, bridging the gap during transitions and deployments — military spouses carry a heavy load.

Military support systems are vital for military dads and families. The phrase “it takes a village” exists for a reason. Having no extended family or friends nearby from a recent PCS is hard enough; add in a military deployment, and life can be overwhelming for military families. Military spouses are left to parent solo, managing the household independently with no days off, while service members must manage the emotions of separation while remaining focused on the mission.

Thankfully, military support comes in many forms. Other military families, neighbors, schools, faith communities, and military support organizations all play an important role in supporting military families.

The ASYMCA is a part of that support system — a constant in the ever-changing lives of military families.

ASYMCA Military Support

• Food Assistance – More than 25% of military families depend on assistance with food. The ASYMCA meets that need with fresh and nonperishable food.
• Child Care & Preschool – High-quality, affordable childcare at certified development centers is available at many ASYMCA branches.
• Operation Hero – This after-school resiliency program for military children helps them thrive and connect while supporting their academic and emotional growth.
• Children’s Waiting Room – Childcare for medical appointments at installation clinics enables junior enlisted families to keep their medical appointments without the stress of finding outside child care.

ASYCMA offers targeted support that meets the unique needs of military families. It’s their way to say thank you to the men and women who bravely wear the uniform and the families who stand beside them.

This Father’s Day, ASYMCA is so thankful for all the military dads who serve. And so are all the families who love them.

A Letter to Military Dads

To All the Military Dads:

Your presence is vital to the well-being of our military children. Measured by the quality of time spent together, your presence matters no matter the distance.

Showing up in their lives while you’re deployed may seem like it can’t compare to being physically present daily, but a quick five-minute phone call, short email, or letter reminds our little ones just how important they are to you. As they get a little older and the reality of what’s really happening sets in, those little moments are even more impactful. That phone call from the other side of the world becomes the wind beneath their wings.

We see your sacrifice. Thank you for your commitment and love from afar. Your presence matters, even when you’re away.

Honoring Military Dads this Father’s Day

This Father’s Day, we celebrate all of the military dads serving. Your presence is important near and far, and we appreciate the sacrifices you make for your family and country.

Support Military Families

To support military families on Father’s Day and throughout the year, consider donating to the ASYMCA. With programs and services that foster connection and stability, ASYMCA ensures military families have the resources they need to thrive.

Happy Father’s Day!

Donate

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Julianna Burson

Julianna is a Home & Hospital Teacher with a background in biomedical research and education. A Navy spouse of seven years and mom of two, she volunteers with the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and is passionate about supporting military families through writing.