EP 04: From a Proud Military Sister to an Honored Military Mom

Afterthought on The Military Family

What do military parents or siblings go through emotionally when their kids or siblings enter military boot camp?

What noticeable changes do military parents or siblings see when their trainee graduates from the military boot camp?

How do military parents or siblings prepare themselves when talking about their kids’ or siblings’ military deployment?

In this episode, you’ll hear straight from Mommy Madge her story as a military mom and sister to service members. She will give you a heads-up on the ups and downs of having two family members serving in the military.

About the Guest:

Mommy Madge is mom to Charles and sister to Garry, with both men serving in the US Military. She’s been married for 21 years. This mom of three is a KDrama fanatic, certified plantita, and pasta lover who’s also into arts and crafts.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

• Explore new life experiences in the shoes of a military member’s family
• Get to know the reasons why one should support a family member in entering the military service
• Advice from a military parent to a parent whose kid is interested in joining the military

Single Quote:

“Kuya, I just want you to know that Dad and I are really really proud of you. Kasi hindi dahil pinilit ka namin pero dahil you really want to join the military, and naging sobrang independent ka, yung hindi ka umasa sa amin tapos naging mature ka, you help your sisters, kahit malayo ka you make time and effort na makipag-communicate with them para maramdaman nila na you’re still their Kuya. Sobrang you make us proud.”

- Mommy Madge

Check out these episode highlights:

• 01:36 - Mommy Madge: the military mom and sister
• 04:18 - How Garry and Charles were like growing up
• 08:45 - When and how Charles told her he's joining the service
• 10:30 - Her reaction when they were informed about their interest in joining the service
• 12:30 - The day the two men left for the boot camp and how it felt like for her
• 16:34 - Phone call privileges and importance of letters in the boot camp
• 22:21 - Most memorable part of the letter she received from Garry, reminiscing hardships during boot camp, and graduation day
• 27:34 - The changes she saw in both men after graduation
• 30:54 - What is her take on deployment
• 32:40 - The importance of joining military support groups
• 34:33 - How she will support her other children if they decide to join the service
• 35:24 - How honored she is of becoming a military mom
• 37:10 - Advice she gave to a parent who has a child interested in joining the military
• 38:45 - Her message to Charles
• 39:57 - Her message to other military children

Connect with Mami Redj:

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Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today.
DISCLAIMER:
The views and opinions expressed on this page and podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the US Military and/or other entities they represent.