An Air Force Wife’s Reflection

For 20 years, I had the honor of standing beside my husband as an Air Force wife. Through countless moves both stateside and abroad, long deployments, and sleepless nights, I learned the true meaning of sacrifice and dedication—not just to family, but to the country we love. This land of liberty has weathered so much in its history, from wars fought abroad to struggles waged at home. Yet, as I reflect on those years of service and the decades that followed, I find myself heartbroken by what I see today.

Abraham Lincoln’s words echo in my mind: “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” Those words were true then, and they remain true now. America’s strength has always come from its unity, even in the face of incredible challenges. I lived through World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, and countless other conflicts. Through it all, we were united by a common purpose: to defend freedom and uphold the ideals of democracy. We argued and debated, but when it came to our nation, we stood together.

Today, that unity feels like a distant memory. The division between Democrats and Republicans has grown so deep, it seems at times we’ve forgotten what unites us. It pains me to see Americans treating one another as enemies when we are all part of the same house. Disagreements are natural, even healthy, but they should not lead to hatred or the tearing apart of our nation’s fabric.

As someone who has witnessed so much history, I never imagined I would see the day when America would seem so fractured from within. I’ve always believed in the resilience of this country—its ability to come together in times of crisis. We’ve done it before, and we can do it again. But it requires something from all of us: a willingness to listen, to respect, and to prioritize the greater good over individual or partisan gain.

We must also support our leaders, including our President, whether or not we agree with every decision they make. Our democracy depends on our collective faith in its institutions and our commitment to make them better, not to tear them down. Criticism has its place, but so does solidarity. Loving this country means working to improve it, not destroying what others have fought and died to protect.

I still believe in America. I believe in the people who make it what it is. But belief alone isn’t enough. We must act, and we must act together. Let’s rebuild our house before it’s too late, remembering that we are all under the same roof and all responsible for its future.