Happy Mother's Day! Published May 12, 2017 131st Bomb Wing commander WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Don't forget Mother's Day is this weekend. And while we're on the subject, let's not forget the contributions they make because they deserve our deepest gratitude for what they give to the mission of the world's greatest Air Force. To the mothers of our Airmen, you have raised someone who has dedicated his or her future in service to this country. This commitment speaks volumes on how you raised your son or daughter. It has been said "mothers raise their children from kids who are characters into men and women of character." Whether you brought up a child who was a jokester, a rebel, a truly upstanding honor roll student, or any other category of child; if your son or daughter raised their hand to serve, they possess a sense of character because of you. THANK YOU for all you have done as a mother with your Airman. For the mothers who are married to Airmen, I cannot thank you enough! Recognizing that my own four children would not be who they are if it weren't for my wife, I want to extend my deepest appreciation to you for what you provide to your children. While your Airman is deployed, at training, on state emergency duty, TDY or fulfilling another aspect of our vital mission, you are working tirelessly to manage your own life, the home and potentially another career. This is no easy feat. Not too long ago, several of our Airmen were deployed to the Pacific region. And, just two weeks ago, nearly 600 Missouri National Guard Airmen and soldiers were deployed helping their Missouri neighbors suffering from major flooding. The mothers who keep the home running during those deployments and activations did not sign up to serve in the military, but they have one of the hardest jobs in the military. So, THANK YOU for your service. And lastly, to the mothers in uniform. You go by a few names: mom, wife, Airman. You have chosen to serve in multiple capacities, and you do so with honor and love for your country and children. You brave your military job, home and motherhood ... on-call 24/7. You stand ready to answer the call from your nation and from your child in the bedroom down the hall yelling for "mommy." You are strong and capable. I'm not sure if anyone has told you how much they appreciate your contributions in both aspects of your life, so let me. THANK YOU for your commitment to both. Whether you are supporting your child who's deployed, managing the kids and home while your Airman is away, or serving yourself; our Air Force would not be what it is if it weren't for those called "Mom." Please join me in thanking all of the moms for their service to this great country. THANK YOU!