Celebrating July Fourth on the Homefront

2009-07-03T13:00:00-05:00

As a military spouse, Independence Day means a lot more to me now than when I was a child. I have personally watched my husband and friends leave to serve overseas, many never returning home. When the American flag is flying high, I can't help but remember the fallen soldiers and the many generations of lives sacrificed for that flag to still wave so freely. On the Fourth of July, the fireworks burst with bright colors, I hear the national anthem, and it never fails to bring me to tears.

The people I’ve met through the Homefront Team are strong, courageous, and supportive. We all seem to be opinionated and very talkative! But we get along great — accepting that we have different beliefs on many issues, yet recognizing that we have a very strong bond that has pulled us together: the U.S. military.

The Etsy Homefront Team is made up of over 100 shops, all owned by veterans, spouses, and significant others of members of the uniformed services. We are male and female, of all ages and different nationalities, and are located, quite literally, worldwide.

Our one common thread is that we are personally involved in supporting our countries on a day-in, day-out basis. Without prejudice, or regard for religion, race, nationality or political views, we keep the home fires burning and our families together, no matter how far apart we are.

On this Fourth of July weekend, let me introduce you to a few of our members — so you can get to know us better!

Photo by levansphotography

What do you love most about being a member of the Homefront Team?
TwoSeasideBabes: “I love that as military spouses, family members, and veterans, we live a life that is completely unlike most civilians. We deal with issues that most could never imagine. Add in deployments, weeks at sea, and long field problems — and we are usually taking care of issues by ourselves. Often, we are stationed away from family. I rely on the Homefront Team to get me through those days that are especially hard and difficult. We are there for one another about business matters and also family and military issues.”
DancingBearsTeaHouse: “Everyone is always supportive of each other in the downs and thrilled for each other in the ups. This is a strong group both personally and creatively.”
levansphotography: “It’s another branch of the family, who really does understand what I’m going though.”

For veterans, what did you love most about serving your country as a member of the U.S. military?
WanderingWhimsies: “There was so much that I loved about serving in the U.S. Navy! The traditions and history, the pride I felt being a part of the U.S. military, the people I met and the friends I made, the places I lived and countries I visited, even my job!”
TwoSeasideBabes: “As a combat veteran, I was privileged to see firsthand how people in other countries live. It's heartbreaking to have been to Kosovo and Afghanistan, seeing how young children grow up completely differently — living without the amenities and comforts we so often take for granted, and often expect to simply be given. Being a veteran made me truly appreciate the simple things in life that a lot of countries outside of the United States don't have.”

Pictured above, TwoSeasideBabes. Below, right, sygnetcreations and her husband.

What do you love most about being a military spouse?
DancingBearsTeaHouse: “The best part about being a military spouse is that I know my husband is doing what he wants. The pay isn’t always great, sometimes the job is a pain, the hours are less than desirable, but my husband is proud of what he does.”
TheYarnChick: “I love moving around and traveling. We get to visit and live in places that never would have been an option otherwise.”
LilacAve: “One word: adventure!”

What are challenges you’ve faced as being a part of the military?
TheYarnChick: “The separations are the hardest part. Seeing Daddy leave again for who knows how long, and trying to explain to the kids why. And not wanting to promise he’ll be back, because what if my promise is broken?”
WanderingWhimsies: “Separation from my husband and family was a big challenge, but so was adjusting to daily life when my husband would return from sea duty. Or when we were stationed together, but worked opposite schedules — never seeing each other.”
FrayBabyBibsandMore: “I think any military spouse will tell you two main things — leaving friends behind and the constant moving. But those two things military spouses accept as part of our crazy military life! At every duty station, friends are made and friends are left behind, but those friendships are always cherished! We don’t say goodbye — we say ‘until we meet again!’”
monsterbugblankets: “The sacrifices are hard — leaving family, leaving your country, leaving friends, your husband being gone for birthdays, anniversaries, months on end. Some husbands miss the births of their children or the deaths of family members. I had to learn to let go of all expectations — time and time again.”

How does being a part of the military work with selling on Etsy? Are there extra challenges, or is it easier?
TheYarnChick: “The nice part about selling on Etsy is that my job can move with us whenever and wherever we go. That can also be a challenge— having to register the business in each different state and learning the new state laws — it’s a bit repetitive. When we live overseas, it is harder to get supplies, and takes longer for packages to arrive to the customer.”
BubbleGumGarden: “It's nice because Etsy allows us portability. When you move, your shop comes with you. Return customers are able to find you, even though you just relocated from New York to Arizona.”

Pictured above, TerisTreasure's husband in Iraq.

Further Resources:
Homefront Team Blog

Looking for more interviews with Etsy Teams? Check them out here!
Americana Folk Gift Guide | More July Fourth Posts | Items Tagged "Homefront Team"

Happy Fourth of July to all!

Storque articles by TerisTreasure

Celebrating July Fourth on the Homefront