Being a Military Dad and an Advocate for my Son

Being a father is a tough job. As a father in the military, there are numerous opportunities and times where being a father can be overwhelming. It can sometimes feel like the role of father is completely forgotten, which can lead to even more stress.

Probably the thing that causes me the most stress as a father is figuring out where, when, and how I can get the services that my son requires and then how to maintain those services. My son, Joshua, was born with Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV). As a result of this pre-birth infection, Joshua has many challenges. He is legally deaf and legally blind, and he suffers from cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Being a military dad means I need to be responsible for these elements in addition to the pressures of a military career, including extended deployments in an environment that has few available resources.

For me personally, finding a way and moving forward means advocating for Joshua and all special needs children and families in the military. As is the nature of the military, we transfer every 2-4 years. But I am privileged to say that the bonds that I have established with these other Dads do not know distance. I am still in phone contact with some of them. I am humbled by being selected as the 2011 Military Fatherhood Award winner, sponsored by the National Fatherhood Initiative, and being selected as a Champion of Change.

I will use the platform offered and champion the changes that need to be made. It is my desire to advocate for more attention to be placed on the father and fatherhood resources for military fathers, including resources to help fathers re-enter the family unit after an extended deployment.

LS1 Christopher Cady is in the U.S. Navy and is the recipient of the 2011 Military Fatherhood Award from the National Fatherhood Initiative.