Veterans Day: A Family Connected by Service

Veterans Day has always meant something special to me. It's a day to recognize the men and women who have served our country, to acknowledge the sacrifices that come with military service, and to remember the families who stand beside them.

I had the honor of serving in the United States Army as a paratrooper. My time in the military is an important part of my life and something I will always carry with me. Serving taught me a lot about commitment, resilience, responsibility, and what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself. It also gave me experiences and friendships that have stayed with me long after my time in uniform.

The military is also where I met my husband. It's a pretty special thing to meet someone through an experience that becomes such an important part of your life. We share that connection to service, and it's one of the many things that has shaped our family.

Today, that connection continues through our son, who serves in the Army Reserve while on active duty. Watching the next generation take their own path of service brings a different perspective to Veterans Day. It reminds me that military service isn't just an individual commitment. It touches entire families, across generations, and often asks a lot of the people who serve and the people who love them.

Whether someone served for a few years or an entire career, every veteran has a story. Some stories are about deployments and challenges. Others are about friendships, lessons learned, unexpected opportunities, or the people met along the way. And behind every veteran is often a family, a partner, a parent, or a child who has shared in that journey in their own way.

My life has taken me in many directions since my time in the Army. Today, I spend much of my time writing science fiction and fantasy, creating worlds and characters that are a long way from my days as a paratrooper. But being a veteran remains an important part of who I am, and I'm proud to be among the many authors who have also served.

This Veterans Day, I want to recognize all those who have worn the uniform, those currently serving, and the families who support them. Thank you for your service, your sacrifices, and the many ways you continue to contribute.

To all veterans, and to the families who stand beside them, thank you.

Happy Veterans Day. 

-April