The Forgotten Heroes Behind the Hero

Soldiers’ spouses carry a lot of burdens on their shoulders. They deal with situations that are not normal at all, from the nomadic life they lead to being separated from their soldiers for long periods and the constant fear they live with when their husbands are anywhere near the sensitive areas of the country, yet THEY ARE NOT REMEMBERED.

They wear no uniform or rank but are still part of the military. The military world is where they live. Soldier’s spouses are not in the chain of command and do not get or receive orders, but their soldiers do. They do not fire weapons, and their lives are not on the line.

However, they are the ones always left behind!

Soldiers are patriots, and serving their country is their pride and honor. They fight to defend their country and make sacrifices to keep us safe.

And so do their wives and kids who stand by them. THEY ARE THE HEROES BEHIND THE HERO!

The Plight of the Nigerian Soldier’s Spouse

I’ve often had cause to receive calls, visits, and requests for assistance from some of these forgotten heroes. 

They often decry their present plight, which makes reality hit me too that it could have been me. Though we are often too religious, and we say “God forbid,” unfortunately, it is the reality of the job.

You can imagine the pain of the soldier’s spouse when the soldier is brought back in a coffin with or without his body from the field of battle or operation area or when they come back. Families line up by the parade ground, eagerly looking forward to seeing their loved ones, only for the spouse to be told,  “SORRY HE DIDN’T MAKE IT.”

Sometimes, even when they know the soldier is long gone, they still go to where the soldier would be dropped off, hoping that it could not be accurate and they would see him jump down from one of the vehicles… But, OH! You imagine the pain!

That is one of the stark realities of soldiers’ spouses worldwide. This requires every soldier’s spouse to be supported before and even after the soldier’s demise.

Possible Solutions to the Plight of the Soldier’s Spouse

The military is trying in most developed countries.

Hence, there’s a need for our military, government, and private bodies to support the military spouse before and after the soldier’s death by putting measures in place to show support for these forgotten heroes who are least remembered.

In some countries, scholarships, grants, loans, military discounts, and job support are given to military and paramilitary spouses and kids where ever they go.

Having such things in Nigeria in partnership with social enterprises, the private and public sectors in support of the military, and their families will go a long way to support that soldier’s spouse who can stand independently and support her family when the need arises.

This will also boost the soldiers’ morale and raise hope for the military spouse, who remains “THE FORGOTTEN HERO.”