The Silent Rank
UPDATE 11-24: “Wave of Gratitude” is today at noon. Now is a good time to start reminding your family and friends that at Noon we are all changing our Facebook status’ and Tweeting some simple words of thanks to our military all around the globe… and to the “Silent Rank” (read below).
For those of you who don’t have a Facebook or Twitter account, you’ll be able to make your comments of gratitude to our troops right here. We’ll open up the StopandSmellthePeople.com homepage for your thoughts.
The Silent Rank…
SSG Daniel Blasky with daughter Jackie
“There are many restless nights and lots of tears shed but I would not change it one bit.”
Meet April Blasky. She is a one woman force to be reckoned with, a champion of the ‘silent rank’ made up of all the husbands, wives, children and so many others who are left to carry on when our troops deploy.
She is married to SSG Daniel Blasky, the love of her life, the father of her three children and a U.S. Soldier serving his third deployment in Iraq.
Married some ten years now. April knows a thing or two about sacrifice. “Danny and I have 3 amazing children: Jackie 8, Josiah 4 and Juliana 3. Danny has missed all their birthdays on deployment. He will miss the Holidays and our 10 year anniversary. He misses all kinds events in our lives but my children love their daddy so much,” she says.
SSG Daniel Blasky is currently on his 3rd deployment in Iraq.
“I will not say it’s easy because it’s not.” You have to get used to shouldering the home life on your own, April explains, which can mean acting as a single parent and doing things you never dreamt you were capable of.
So how does she get through three deployments? Simple. April says it’s her mission. It’s the way that she serves our country. The silent rank.
“Its a great honor for me to make sacrifices for my husband to serve our country. It brings me great joy to support him,” she said.
Apparently one mission wasn’t enough for April. She took on another……serving as the Family Readiness Group (FRG) Leader in Charlotte. Basically in addition to taking care of her own family, she also supports the rest of the Queen City’s silent rank… all the other families trying to get on with the business of life while awaiting news from the front.
Clockwise from the top left, Jackie, Danny, Josiah, Juliana and April Blasky
April’s mission is to encourage the other families having restless tearful nights. To offer a smile and simple word of ‘congrats’ for their personal successes. April is a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on during the days that seem intolerable. And that’s the easy part. Because it also means being there when the worst news arrives. When a soldier doesn’t come home. April is there when someone else’s world falls to pieces.
She says, “If we stop focusing on ourselves and show others that we care, it may be the one thing that helps them believe and to carry on.”
Encouragement to carry on. The heart of what April Blasky is all about. She wants to rally for her husband, for her children, and for the silent rank.
“They need to know that they have people at home saying press on, focus on your mission and know you are not forgotten and that we appreciate all the sacrifices they make,” she says.
Which gets me to how Mike and I met April. When we launched the first Gratitude Wave, April became involved immediately: getting the word out, offering us insight into what they’re needs are and how to meet them.
“When I saw that Mike and you were doing the Wave of Gratitude. tears filled my eyes,” because the fact is that not every soldier has an April Blasky at home. “I believe the Gratitude Wave allows soldiers to see that we love them an we support them.”
SSG Daniel Blasky, far right, in Iraq, 2009
Beyond offering our troops a word of thanks this Tuesday, November 24th at noon EST through social media, April wants to take her mission to each of us… to take the time to love each other, be present, to slow down and make memories together. She offers us that truth and leaves me with a prayer for her husband
“May the Lord keep watch between you and me when we are away from each other” (Genesis 31:49)
All I can say is ‘Amen.’ Thank you, April and all of you serving in our country’s Silent Rank… AR
April really is an amazing woman, everytime I’m feeling lonely or sad she has encouraging words to keep me thinking positively. I have so much respect for her taking care of her children when SSG Blasky is serving and also keeping all of us other silent ranks updated on events and news about our soldiers. I really couldn’t ask for a better FRG leader, thank you April for everything you do for us! =)
P.S. That verse is amazing, Cody & I each have half of a keychain that when put together say that verse.
To know April is to truly love her! This is my son’s first deployment and she has been my rock and strength, no matter what time it is. She truly cares about all of the families and gives so much of herself. April’s an amazing, strong, loving person that I would be lost without!!
To expand on Leah’s comment above – I have so much respect for each of the men and women serving our country, and each and every one of their family members. it is their unselfish service that makes our country great. Thank you one and all! May God bless you and keep you.
Anna, thank you so much for sharing April & SSG Blasky’s story. It really drives home the point that we’re all in their debt, and should be grateful to them, all year long, not just during the holidays.
April, I just love you and I am so glad to have you in my family and as my friend. I am glad to know that our husbands are serving together and watching out for one another and that we were able to do the same here at home. You know my number if you need anything. Those are great pictures of you guys and kiss those babies for me.
I want to say thank you to my Sweetie. April has stood by me thru it all. She is a truly strong lady and the love of my life for almost ten years. April always puts others before herself. She prides herself in being part of the Army family. Every soldier needs a special someone to support them . I have been blessed . April Kay is the best friend,wife,and devoted mother any man could ask for. Thanks Sweetie for the best ten years of my life and for believing in me and us. You are the best. All My Love-Danny
April doesn’t just support her families – she supports all of us. My husband isn’t in her unit but she reached out to me through Facebook and has introduced me to others who support us in our journey. A big shout out to all who serve the families behind – we can’t do it by ourselves! Thank you for all your love and support!
[...] weekend my Aunt told me about Stop and Smell the People. I hope you take part in the Wave of Gratitude tomorrow at noon EST. Change your facebook status and/or tweet a few words of gratitude for our [...]
Great story about April! She sounds like a truly amazing and caring woman. I’m ready for the Gratitude Wave tomorrow, I just hope Facebook and Twitter can handle all of us!!!
For our fighting men and women, I say, hang tough. As a former Marine and Vietnam Vet, I can appreciate the hardships you are going thru. We, as a country, are very proud of each and every one of you and I hope you know you are in our hearts and prayers daily. Be safe and come home soon.
SEMPER FI
Just saying thanks is not enough. The sacrifices made by not only those deployed but the families left behind is impossible for the rest of us to understand. Thanks to the dedication and commitment of these people, we get to take many things for granted.
God Bless all of you and we pray for your safe return to your families – not just today – but everyday.
To all of the men and women in the military, whether overseas in the midst of the battlefield or state side supporting our great nation, I wish for you strength, sound judgment and encouragement. I want you to know your individual contribution is not taken for granted. Psalm 37:23-24.
I have already shared on facebook but wanted to post here too. To all the soldiers and families who have given their time, talents or lives for our great country, we will always remember your sacrifice. I pray for you and your families and ask God to bless and protect those who have given so much of themselves.
May God bless each of our soldiers and their families. You are all in my daily prayers for safety, protection, comfort and strength.
The sacrifice each of you make for the service of our country is greatly appreciated.
May God’s love & peace be with you each day.
Thank you for your dedication.
Mike and Anna,
It was a great honor you did a story about my family and me.
I love to help others and being the FRG leader brings so much joy to my life.
Thanks to all the ladies for the kind words you said about me. You all being silent rank rocks. You all have been so brave and courages thru this deployment.
We can and we will get thru the Holidays and we will survive this deployment. hugs and love to you all.
Danny, I love you with all my heart and I am so blessed to have you in my life. Soon you will be in my arms again where you belong. Keep pressin on Babe. Remember I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me.
To all the ones who did Gratitude Wave thank you with all my heart. Our soldiers and families needs to know you love them and you support them. We appreciate all your kind words and taking a moment to say thanks.
Love,
April Blasky
Thank You!
God Bless you April and all of our service men and women in uniform. I hope you all have a blessed and Merry Christmas and a most wonderful happy New Year. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for protecting us and keeping this country safe.
April,
I have know you for years and from the first moment I met you I have know that you a some kind of special. You are an amazing woman with strength and compassion and kindness that I wish I had. You have been there for me during the deployment in 2004 and ever since…. I love and respect you so much. You are the shoulder and ear that these women need right now and I know that God is working through you to help everyone. God Bless you April Blasky and know that I love you and I’m here for you.
Love ya
keira
Keira,,
I just know saw what you post. I love you and so blessed to have you in my life as my dear friend. I thank God for you!!
Love ya always!!