Two single parents lead household, squadron

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alexandria Lee
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  If it takes a village to raise a child, how can a mom do it on her own while also leading a squadron of more than 100 personnel? Two of RAF Mildenhall’s squadron commanders show how they do it and act as a guiding light for those who think it’s impossible.

Leading a squadron of 100 to 550 people at a time can create a collision of priorities; the question is not when will they collide, but how do these leaders surpass the collision?

Lt. Col. Carina Harrison, 100th Force Support Squadron commander and Lt. Col. Stacie Voorhees, 100th Communications Squadron commander, work towards maintaining their families and squadrons while being single parents. Harrison is a single mother of a 15-year-old daughter and Voorhes is a single mother of two young girls.

"I’ve always had to be a single mother,” said Harrison “It’s not hard, because it’s normal. It’s what I’ve always had to do."

Being a single mother can bring additional challenges when duty calls.

“I try to not look at it as a balancing act when it comes to my family and my career,” said Voorhees. “When you think of it that way, something is always going to be off set. I prefer the term ‘work-life integration.’ The kids know we’re a part of the military and they also know that they have to put in work and energy as well."

Harrison agreed and added that having her daughter has taught her to be more flexible with her decisions.

“I try to involve my daughter’s life as much as possible with mine,” said Harrison. “We bond through things that she wants to do, and things that I have to do, due to work. If she wants to be a cheerleader, I will be a cheerleading coach. I don’t know a thing about cheerleading, but you have to pick and choose to make time for your family. You will always have to make those tough decisions."

These leaders are the sole provider for their children and are always learning lessons with every situation as a parent, especially learning how to handle the new curveballs. Both commanders agreed that it can be very difficult juggling so many responsibilities, feeling the weight of the world is on their shoulders, both at home and work. These mothers do what they can to prioritize their love of family with their love of duty to give as much time and patience each dually deserves.

“Your job is rewarding but your family is vital; love your family and build a second family from those around you,” said Harrison. “One of the first things I look for, no matter what base I get assigned, is a church. Family, friends and God, that is my village and is what I depend on to help me stay sane."

Voorhees agreed.

“The climate here is really supportive, which makes a huge difference,” said Voorhees. “Being able to bring my kids with me to events on base or if I need to have them here in the office, has helped me learn to better value the time I have with those people in that moment and to use it to its fullest. It’s little things like that which show you can be in the military and still be a single parent or just able to have a family in general."