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On the home front: Husband takes on multi-parent role

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Amber Kelly-Herard
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  When people hear of a military member leaving a spouse behind for a deployment, they generally think of a wife staying behind. But 20 percent of the time it means the husband is the one left behind.

Greg Henry is just one example of a military husband in that situation. Mr. Henry is married to Tech. Sgt. Heather Henry, Air Mobility Command commander's action group, who left for her first deployment to Afghanistan recently.

The Henrys have two boys, Charles, 14, and Kai, 8.

"After being together for 12 years, you get used to having that extra person there, especially with the kids," he said. "She's been gone before for like 10 days, but never six months."

Even though Mr. Henry wondered if he could make it alone, his wife wouldn't allow him to fail.

"She runs a tight ship, and you better get on board or get off. She's pretty well organized."

To stay on task, Mr. Henry plans out what chores to do on certain days so things don't pile up. He also keeps his family motivated by staying busy.

"Both boys play baseball, which keeps us pretty busy, and on the weekends, we like to go to the movies," he said. "They also read a lot."

The hardest thing about his wife being away, he said, is that it's all new to him.

He sends care packages, but he's not sure what to send, and it's difficult for him to find time to make it to the post office.

Through all the busyness and extra responsibilities, Mr. Henry is still able to communicate with his wife.

"We text and Skype, but I always feel like I am not doing enough," he said.

Mr. Henry said he and his children miss his wife's tenderness.

"My wife brings an extra element of love and affection to the house," Mr. Henry said. "With me it's more rough housing and sports."

Although it's difficult, the Henry family, just like thousands of other military families, is adapting and making the best of an uneasy time while waiting for the day their loved one returns.