A soldier’s mission, a daughter's keepsake: Fatherhood in Special Operations Forces

LITHUANIA

12.15.2025

Story by Staff Sgt. Reece Heck 

U.S. Special Operations Command Europe   

U.S. Special Operations Forces are frequently deployed around the world, from Africa, to Asia, to Europe and everywhere in-between. Despite being continents away, many service members try their best to stay connected to their families, sometimes in surprising ways. One Soldier assigned to U.S. Army 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), carries a piece of home on missions to provide comfort during deployments and remind him why he serves and completes his missions–to make it back home.  “When I was a young kid myself, my parents gave me a little stuffed animal, a Curious George,” he said. “I had it for quite a few years, then I put it away. When my daughter was a year old, I dug it out to show her, and she just latched onto it. His daughter, now five years old, continues to go to bed with that toy every night.  “During Christmas, she was telling her mom she wanted a Curious George for me. So, she got me this Curious George for Christmas, and she told me that this would keep me safe no matter where I go or what I do,” he explained.  To stay connected, the Soldier sends pictures of the stuffed animal to his daughter whenever he deploys, as a reminder that she’s in his thoughts and that the toy offers him comfort and safety.  “Anytime I leave for the military, I always take pictures of it to send to her,” he said.  Despite the demands of his military career, he clarifies the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.  “I have a good balance between my civilian job, being in Special Forces, and my family life. My family is very supportive, because they know the sacrifices are for a greater purpose,” he said.  He believes that time spent away from home reinforces the strength of family bonds.  “For every bit of time you spend away, it reassures everyone how strong that connection is,” he added.  He emphasized how supportive the National Guard is in supporting multiple different aspects of his life.   “They are very forgiving if you need to take time for your family or if something comes up,” he said. “They understand that priorities can shift, whether it’s your civilian job or family, they’re good at adapting.”  This Soldier hopes to be an inspiration to his children and to show them they can pursue multiple different goals in their life. If it’s their dream, they can accomplish it.   “I want my kids to see that you can chase different ventures, have a civilian career, build a family, and still be committed to your military service,” he explained. “I hope that we can look back on these experiences not with sadness over time away, but with pride in the memories made.”  Ultimately, he hopes to use this experience as a lesson to his daughter later in her life. “Hopefully my daughter can look back at this as a lesson that you can achieve your dreams while still being there for your family.”   -30-

• Date Taken: 12.15.2025
• Date Posted: 12.16.2025 09:37
• Story ID: 554256
• Location: LT