What does it mean to be a mom and have not one but two of your children in the military? The Journal interviewed Coushatta’s Donnisha Mims to find out.

From her job at the Red River School Board office, Mrs. Mims expressed her nervousness and pride for her children. The siblings are both Red River High School graduates and are out in the world making a difference.

“As parents, we decided that a college education would be up to them. We support them in every way possible, but we believe that if a person has to work for their opportunities, then it will mean more.”

“Lucas, our son, joined the Army first. He has had experiences with people from all walks of life. He loves his job and is trained to be professional in all environments. He is one of the main reasons our daughter, Jadon, decided to join the military.”

Jadon looked at two possible military branches: the Air Force and the Navy. She chose the Navy partly due to their recruiting and partially to see the world up close. She is now learning the skills needed to be a yeoman. She loves that she can make a difference in the world and her hometown. She believes that a strong Navy is instrumental in maintaining the security of the United States coastal region and protecting democracy.

As her mom, Mims says she speaks with her frequently and enjoys hearing about her training. “I am not always happy to hear everything she is required to do, like have night watch. It makes me nervous sometimes, but then I remember that I must trust that she is trained to do her job. Her father, however, took some encouragement. It was hard to see his girl head off to possible harm.”

“I think it is a blessing that my children are able to go to different countries, spend time with peers from all over the world, and see that every place is different and yet the same.” Mims also says that both of her children have had positive experiences in their training and activities.

“I love that they now know and have experienced people and things that they could never have known if they stayed right here.”

When asked how it feels to see her kids leave, she answered, “I have faith that we raised them right and that they will do well. I have faith that they will be kept safe. I just have to rely on my faith at all times. I have another child who is considering the military. I may just have one in the Air Force in the future.