Army honorably discharges mom who reported to duty with her two small children

March 3, 1:25 PMParenting ExaminerTerreece Clarke

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When you have small children sometimes you have to take them places with you that you'd rather not. I've toted children to my doctor appointments, meetings, classes and a host of other places that if given a choice I'd rather them in someone else's care.

In the past, before people moved far and wide from their parents and family, there was always someone around to help a parent in need. An aunt that could entertain little ones while you hit the grocery store or a long-time neighbor would look out to be sure your kids got home from school okay.

Now, more and more families find themselves in distant cities with little support in place to leave their children for two hours let alone full-time while they serve a 12 month tour in Iraq.

Lisa Pagan found herself in this position when she was recalled to active duty after four years under the "individual ready serve" program. Pagan has two small children and a husband who travels extensively for work, and had appealed the Army's decision to recall her, but her appeals were rejected. Pagan went public with her plea and while her lawyer worked on her case, she reported for duty as required - with her 5 year-old daughter and 3 year-old son in tow.

Often it takes seeing a parent in action to show someone the true nature of our work. Though it's an often used excuse, it is a viable problem when there isn't adequate childcare. Perhaps the Army thought better of having toddlers go through training exercises. It takes a diaper bag full of tricks and snacks to get my kids through some events without meltdowns. I can only imagine the 5 year-old during debriefing. If she's anything like mine - the nation's secrets are not secure. "We're going to Kabul next!"

Whatever the reason, the Army took this family's plight into account and Pagan will soon be discharged. What are your thoughts? Good for her or should she have to serve her call?