Late night callouts, trainings, missing events, saying bye to the kids & running out the door. SAR can be taxing on your family/spouse/support network.
How do you demonstrate your support/appreciation for them?
Ultimately, It’s their unwavering support that allows us to fulfill our duties and make a difference.
Support them in the things they want to do. Make things in their life a priority. Not all priorities are the same. SAR is random and inconvenient, but as an example my wife wanted to renovate a bedroom so I go into fully supporting the effort, into it, and excited. I also encourage her to take trips with her girlfriends and just live a big full life.
I also turn down certain assignments if it's my kid's birthday (and other such events), there are plenty of responders, and it's nothing truly serious. But like as an example if there is a missing or hurt kid she knows, and I think appreciates, that I'll walk away from pretty much anything for that.