Jessica Allen still has to fight back tears when talking about the explosion in Afghanistan that left her husband without both his legs.
“For my girls, it’s hard to imagine what it’s like to have your dad 6 feet tall and dressed in camouflage and going out to protect our country and then two months later I have to tell them daddy stepped on a bomb,” said Jessica. “They were in kindergarten and third grade at the time. And the worst part was when they asked me questions about it, mommy didn’t have the answers.”
Allen told those memories Wednesday morning during a Veterans Day program at Centertown Elementary where both her girls now attend. She spoke alongside her husband, Chaz Allen, a 16-year Army veteran who served in Kosovo, Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan.
It was in Afghanistan where Chaz’s life was forever changed. He stepped on a 40-pound improvised explosive device on Jan. 22, 2011, his injuries resulting in the loss of both legs above the knee. He also suffered significant damage to one arm, his back, and has hearing loss.
“I was willing to sacrifice my life to protect others and I hope there are people, maybe some in these stands right now, who are willing to do the same,” said Chaz.
He noted military service is not easy, nor is it attractive to the vast majority of people.
“Less than 1 percent have the fortitude to sign a blank check and hand their life over to the military,” said Chaz.
Jessica admits she doesn’t have the courage required for military service. But since Chaz’s injuries, she has worked tirelessly to improve the care network for families like hers who are experiencing an array of challenges due to a military injury.
She is an Elizabeth Dole fellow who has worked with the White House and spoken nationally about such issues.
“I’m not brave enough to join the military,” said Jessica. “But what I can do is come to groups like you and talk about these children because we ask them to give up everything so their fathers can serve.”
The Veterans Day program included students in grades 6-8 singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and kindergarten students singing “You’re a Grand Old Flag.” Every veteran in attendance was announced to the crowd and received applause.