Military men play an important role in maintaining and protecting the security of the homeland. These loyal men who have dedicated themselves and their time to safeguarding their country are making great sacrifices, which are a source of pride for them and their families. Al-Riyadh daily met with the wives of Saudi military personnel whose husbands spend the majority of their time stationed away from home and spoke to them about the pressures they feel when their husbands are away protecting the Kingdom. Saudi military wives spoke with pride about their husbands and what they do for the country. Even though they live a difficult life, especially when their husbands are away from home, they take great pride in what their husbands do for the Kingdom. Alya Muhammad's husband is an officer in the military. She believes that a military officer's wife has a national duty as well, and should be on alert all the time and shoulder her responsibilities as a wife. “When we need him the most and when we pass through the most difficult circumstances, he's not there for us because he has to respond to the call of duty. We're proud of him because he's on a greater mission to serve the country. As a wife and mother, I take pride in that. My husband plays a role in preserving the security of our country.” “A strong wife will help a soldier stay strong and relieved that his wife can take care of herself and their children. The entire society appreciates the sacrifices made by military officers and members of society try to help and reach out to military wives with many forms of support. My mother-in-law takes good care of me and my children and even spoils my children more than she does the children of her other sons. My husband's brothers help in dropping off and picking up my children from school,” she added. Umm Sanad is married to a military officer as well. She had a difficulty in the beginning coping with the lonely nights she had to spend when her husband was answering the call of duty on the country's border region. But she eventually adjusted and was able to overcome any negative feelings she had. “I've realized that the last thing my husband needs when he's away from me is to see me weak. I've realized I have to be strong for him and help him live up to the expectations and responsibilities of his mission,” she said while adding she is proud that Saudi troops have achieved a high level of preparedness and possess advanced combat skills, achievements all citizens are proud of. Basmah Al-Kabi said she is proud that her husband and brothers participated in Operation Decisive Storm launched against Houthi rebels in Yemen. She spends most of the time glued to the TV listening to the latest news and media coverage about the political events unfolding in Yemen. “My sons speak with pride about their father and want to follow in his footsteps and join the military one day. A few days ago, they dressed in a military uniform and took pictures of themselves and sent them to their father. There's no greater job than sacrificing your life to defend your religion and land,” she said. Maj. Gen. Ali Al-Tamimi said military wives play a major role in supporting their husbands. He said when a military officer is going through the most darkest hours of his life while on duty, he needs his wife to support him and make him feel secure and at ease. “Military wives spend a lot of time alone taking care of their homes and children and go to the extreme to make their husbands happy. Saudi women have always stood by their husbands in times of war and peace,” he said.
