I thought it appropriate for Veterans Day to review a book that would be a tribute to the 4.2 million Americans who have served, and are serving, in some branch of the military. I chose this book because it reminds us there are other heros who serve, who often go unnoticed, the families of our service men and women.

This book, written by military wife, Ellie Kay, shares many of the ups and down of military families. Although Kay speaks mostly from the perspective of one married to someone making a career in the military, the book also offers tips that will help all families of someone serving their country.

Kay calls these families “Hidden Heros,” and provides a list of ten qualities that distinguish these heros, and describes why they need those qualities. However, she also lists four characteristics military families must have to survive: (1) a keen sense of humor; (2) a sense of adventure; (3) the ability to develop courage to a variety of challenges; and (4) a strong sense of family.

In her book Kay not only shares an intimate glimpse, laced with plenty of humor, into her own life raising seven children, while making 11 moves in the 13 years her husband, Bob, served as a fighter pilot. She also tells about many of the friends she has made during that time, and offers suggestions for other families and friends of those who are serving today.

Her book sites not only problems beyond the obvious ones, but also solutions to those problems. It’s more a survival guide.

I would recommend this book to both families and friends of anyone serving in the military today. It offers wonderful suggestions of things others can do to help make life just a little bit easier for their own “Heros at Home”, while at the same time offering some “don’ts” that should also be remembered.

This is a good read, and a fast one. I couldn’t put it down, and read it in one night.

Heros at Home - by Ellie Kay
copyright 2002 - Bethany House
ISBN: 0-7642-2789-0
List price: $10.99

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