PEASE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE -- Many Airmen leave their duty station at Pease to work another full-time job. The job requires these Airmen to maintain constant mobility, keen coordination and adept communication; there are no breaks, no holidays off, and there is no pay. Alongside their military careers, these Airmen take on so much more than a full time job, they are Moms.
Staff Sgt. Taylor Cooney, a personnel specialist with the 157th Mission Support Group and a mom of a busy toddler, said being a parent, especially a parent in the military, has taught her about time management and selflessness.
“Being a parent in the military has taught me a lot of lessons early on that I don't think I would've learned if it weren't for becoming a mom,” said Cooney, who juggles work and family time. “Selflessness has definitely been the biggest lesson of them all.”
Senior Master Sgt. Laurice Souron, the inspector general from the 157th ARW, has a 26-year-old son, and two daughters ages 16 and 19.
She said her children make her proud every day.
“My kid’s resiliency continues to amaze me,” exclaimed Souron. “However, what makes me the most proud is they don't dwell on the past but rather glance back every now and then to remember where they've been, what they have gone through, and how proud they are of themselves for who they are today.”
Staff Sergeant Brittany Bigelow, a member of the 157th command support staff and mom of two daughters ages one and four, believes family is the greatest asset in the military.
“I could not do what I do without the support of my kids,” she said.
Bigelow mentioned that as an “army brat”, she has been able to experience both sides of deployment.
“When my father would deploy, I would always give him something precious of mine to hold and keep until he came home,” said Bigelow. “My favorite part of him coming home was when he hugged me and returned my treasure. This is a tradition that I hope lives on with me and my girls.”
Cooney said being a mom in the military can be tough with training and deployments but it is the greatest thing that has ever happened to her.
Souron added she is honored to be a parent and believes her time in the military has taught her to be a better mom.
“Even with the amazing career I have had in the military, all that I have accomplished, and all that I aspire to do,” said Souron. “Being a mom will forever be my finest award received, my most favorite position held, and my single greatest accomplishment in life.”