Military spouses: backbone of the military Family

FORT STEWART, GA, UNITED STATES

05.10.2024

Story by Pfc. Camron Hicks 

3rd Infantry Division

FORT STEWART, Ga. — It is a common sight in the United States to see Soldiers being thanked for their service. However, just as all heroes do not wear capes, there are military spouses who also serve from the home front in support of their Family. The Army recognizes the responsibilities and sacrifices of military spouses that serve alongside them.
Sophie Petroysan, wife of 3rd Infantry Division transportation officer Maj. Avag Petroysan, is dedicated to supporting her husband throughout his Army career. Her willingness to adapt to military life for her Family is a shared characteristic amongst the military spouse community.
Throughout her Family’s military life, Sophie has learned the best way to support her husband is to be flexible.
“I learned to adapt, and now I find all of this life is one big adventure that I get to take with my husband, and now kids,” Sophie said. “Being flexible with whatever comes our way makes all of it more enjoyable for both of us.”
Sophie strives to be there for her husband through all aspects of his military service.
“I also try to just be a listening ear for him,” said Sophie. “Sometimes the job is hard and stressful, sometimes it is easier and more enjoyable. I try to be there for all of it. I want to be the first person he comes to for either situation.”
Holding down the fort while a Soldier is deployed or at training can be challenging. While Sophie’s husband is away, she always works to keep her Family busy and stay actively involved as much as possible.
“I also try to keep myself and my kids busy during any separation,” said Sophie. “School and after school activities usually make up the most of this. I have also found myself volunteering for different things that my kids do, so it keeps the whole family busy, but on the same schedule.”
For Sophie, there is nowhere else in the world you can experience the same sense of community like that of military spouses. She has been involved with several different groups of military spouses, and has always been amazed by how welcoming they are.
“Fort Stewart, like many installations, actually has a spouses’ club, here it is called Marne Community and Spouses’ Club, where the community is already built, you just have to get there,” said Sophie. “I have never regretted getting involved with a group of military spouses, and I almost always learn something new about the military community as a whole, even about myself.
“Every military spouse I’ve ever met has their own unique story about where they came from and how they ended up in this life, and I just love how, no matter what their story is, here we are all living it alongside each other.”
Despite always moving, missing out on potential jobs and her husband’s temporary absences, Sophie still doesn’t view her experiences as sacrifices.
“The relationship I have with my husband, the life we’ve built for our children, the lifelong friends we’ve all made, I definitely don’t feel like I’ve sacrificed much in the grand scheme of things,” said Sophie.
The strength built in the roots of a military Family comes from the shared experiences of uncertainty. A Family that knows staying in a house for an undetermined amount of time and living in multiple locations in a matter of years will only get stronger.
“If going through all of that with your family doesn’t make you stronger, I don’t know what would," Sophie said. “When it is time to move or go through a hardship, we’re the ones helping each other. Whether we’re helping each other pack and move or we’re helping each other get through those tough goodbyes, we’re in it together.”
For her Family, Sophie often has to improvise the times her husband can’t be present at home to make them special. She works to keep her husband included in every Family moment, even if it has to be through a phone call.
“We also try to keep our traditions,” said Sophie. “While acknowledging daddy isn’t physically here, we can still do the fun things like decorate the house for holidays, travel to visit family and friends and have fun experiences. It is hard to keep the magic sometimes, but we can almost make it into existence by talking about it.“
Sophie’s work while her husband is away does not go unnoticed. Her support system may be far away at times, but he always acknowledges her efforts. Maj. Petroysan describes his wife as his best friend, and her support has been uplifting for his career. Her love, grace and resilience makes him grateful for every moment he spends with his Family.
"Frankly, without her support I wouldn’t have much of a career,” said Petroysan. “Sophie is the most selfless and kind person I’ve ever known. It’s amazing how her altruism seems limitless. I’m always inspired and amazed by how much she is capable of achieving while raising our kids.”
The Army is grateful for the support, care and resilience of military spouses. They provide unconditional support to their service members everyday. Their willingness to make sacrifices for their Families is admirable. It is vital that we honor their service alongside their Soldiers as the backbone of their Family.
For those interested in getting involved with Fort Stewart’s Marne Community and Spouses’ Club please visit www.marnecommunityandspousesclub.com.

• Date Taken: 05.10.2024
• Date Posted: 05.14.2024 11:24
• Story ID: 470976
• Location: FORT STEWART, GA, US