‘Along for the Ride’: Navigating deployments, duty, and family

Published April 25, 2025
By Senior Airman De'Quan Simmons
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --

For one Air Force family of four, service is a shared journey—even for those who never took the oath.

Stock family at Warrior Park Playground on Scott — U.S. Air Force Capt. Adam Stock, 618th Air Operations Center chief of verifications, and Master Sgt. Jolene Canaga, Air Mobility Command Headquarters unit deployment manager, pose for a photo at Warrior Park playground on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, April 23, 2025. Stock and Canaga have supported each other through the challenges of dual-military service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman De’Quan Simmons)

As part of the Month of the Military Child, Capt. Adam Stock, 618th Air Operations Center chief of verifications, and Master Sgt. Jolene Canaga, Air Mobility Command Headquarters unit deployment manager, opened up about the resilience their children, Anderson and Alaina, have shown while navigating the challenges of military life.

While the Stock children may not wear uniforms, they’ve lived the military life: long separations, life in multiple states, and constant change. Through it all, they’ve shown resilience, joy, and a love for adventure.

That strength hasn’t gone unnoticed—both parents expressed deep appreciation for how their children handle military life.

“Jo and I picked to be in the Air Force; they didn’t. They still move around with us and deal with us being gone. We’ve both deployed since they’ve been alive. They both keep having positive attitudes, enjoy the adventures, and are just overall really great kids with good attitudes about life."

Capt. Adam Stock, 618th Air Operations Center chief of verifications

“Jo and I picked to be in the Air Force; they didn’t,” said Stock, reflecting on their kids’ unspoken sacrifices. “They still move around with us and deal with us being gone. We’ve both deployed since they’ve been alive. They both keep having positive attitudes, enjoy the adventures, and are just overall really great kids with good attitudes about life.”

Canaga echoed her husband and added her perspective.

“I think the importance of the month is to recognize all the military kids that are here because we had them; they’re just here along for the ride,” said Canaga when asked about the importance of the Month of the Military Child. “It’s great to recognize them. Give them some credit.”

Canaga’s words reflect a truth many military families live with—the constant cycle of moving and adjusting to new surroundings. Having lived in Arkansas, Louisiana, Florida, and now Illinois, the Stock family has found ways to stay connected during long separations through small but meaningful gestures.

“We video chatted a lot,” said Canaga. “When I did my deployment, we had a lot of late-night video chats. They also sent me a lot of care packages with their drawings in them that turned into a whole drawing binder.”

Canaga reflected on a difficult moment during her deployment, recalling the unexpected news of an extension. It was a reminder that in military life, even heartfelt promises can be disrupted and holidays missed.

“I promised them I'd be coming by Easter, and I got extended for two months,” said Canaga. “My six-month deployment became eight months.”

When reunited, the family makes the most of their time together with activities that bring laughter and connection. During the warmer months, they enjoy spending time together swimming and camping. The children also chimed in with their favorite ways to spend time with their parents.

“Playing Super Smash Bros and Mario Odyssey!” shouted an excited Anderson.

“Playing Mario Kart!” said Alaina in the same tone.

That lighthearted moment is just one example of the joy their children bring, even as military life demands flexibility and resilience from the whole family. As Anderson and Alaina grow, so has their parents’ perspective on service, both in uniform and in their roles at home, citing newfound patience. With that mindset, they offer candid advice to those considering starting a family while serving.

“100% just do it,” said Stock. “Be ready for everything to change, but it’s a lot of fun.”

“Life will become a little more difficult. But there are a lot of rewards.”

Master Sgt. Jolene Canaga, Air Mobility Command Headquarters unit deployment manager

“Life will become a little more difficult,” said Canaga. “But there are a lot of rewards.”

That balance of hardship and reward is something the family carries with them as they prepare for their next chapter at Joint Base Langley-Eustis. They continue to embrace every challenge and cherish every moment—together.