Veterans Day U.S. – A McAfee MoM’s Reflection

By: Deb, Executive Assistant, Plano TX

On Monday, November 11, the U.S. celebrates Veterans Day. We at McAfee U.S. are able to spend this holiday paying tribute to coworkers, friends and family members who have served our country in the various branches of military service. Being able to honor, celebrate and remember our nation’s heroes on Veterans Day every year is one of the things that I hold near and dear to my heart.

Wearing RED for a Reason

Anyone who knows me or sees me on Fridays at our Plano headquarters location, knows that I wear red EVERY Friday. I wear RED as a reminder to “Remember Everyone Deployed.”  I’ve recently noticed that many of my peers have also begun to wear red on Fridays. Regardless of whether it’s McAfee red or acknowledging our veterans with RED, I make it a point to acknowledge and thank them for showing their support!  We have such a great team at McAfee-Plano, and I always encourage my colleagues to wear RED. It’s an easy, yet powerful, way to make a statement of support for our veterans!

I am passionate about our military and veterans because I come from a long line of military servants. My dad and brother-in-law both served in the U.S. Air Force. Three of my grandfathers served in the military—two in the U.S. Army and one in the U.S. Army Air Corps. I also have an uncle/Godfather who served as a Navy Seabee. But my most powerful connection to the military is as a MoM (Mother of a Marine). My 19-year-old son, Austin, is a Lance Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps. I call Austin my tough, awesome, and brave hero. He not only has my back, but he has the backs of all Americans. As his family, we are fortunate that he is currently stationed stateside. Of course, that can change in the blink of an eye.

Making the Sacrifice

Very recently, it has sunk in that my family is living our lives based on someone else’s calendar and the decisions of the U.S. Marine Corps. They have full control over Austin’s schedule and our ability to see him. As easy as a flight can be booked and other plans finalized, a leave can be taken away. In fact, my son’s leave for Thanksgiving this year was recently cancelled. This would have been his first time home since his graduation from boot camp at the end of June 2018. Yes, as a mama, I cried for an entire day when I heard that he would not be able to come home. But then I remembered that his calling is so much bigger than that of a son, a brother, a nephew, or grandson coming home for the holiday. When I remembered that his obligation and commitment is so much greater, my tears had to stop. My pride in him swelled, as did my love for my country. He and his military brothers and sisters, in all branches of service, are out there protecting us and fighting for our freedom. I cannot be selfish with my wishes for him to be home. What I can do is pray for his safety, and the safety of all those serving. And I will continue to be thankful for the sacrifices of all military personnel, past and present, and their families.

Feeling Support at McAfee

One of the reasons I love working here at McAfee is the knowledge that our company is so supportive of those who are actively serving in the military as well as our honored veterans and their family members. As a MoM, it makes me proud when I come to work each Friday and see more and more of my coworkers dressed in red; or I get the opportunity to participate in Veterans events and celebrations. I am grateful for my colleagues’ gestures of support that bring a big smile to my face. McAfee’s strong commitment to Veterans through our Veterans Community and active recruiting of veterans are other reasons I am proud to be a McAfee team member.

 

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