Hilltop Times:

Sergeant Ames credits his military training for helping him become a parent who could help Jordan and Cristana navigate through the challenges they faced.

"Throughout my military career, I have had the opportunity to encounter training to help me increase my communication skills and learn patience, counseling, and leadership skills have made me a better parent," Sergeant Ames said.

Sergeant Ames believes his experiences in parenting have helped him become a better supervisor, as well.

"It goes both ways," he added.

According to the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse, military families present unique challenges to adopting children, but there are also many benefits to children being raised in a military environment, specifically the vast resources available to members and the supportive nature of the community.

The Department of Defense's adoption reimbursement policy provides up to $2,000 per child (or a maximum of $5,000 per year) for qualifying expenses to military families whose adoptions were arranged by a qualified adoption agency.

Sergeant Ames did not encounter any hurdles when he began the adoption process because of his affiliation with the 419th FW.

"If anything, the 419th has helped me be a better parent," Sergeant Ames said. "Everyone has always been extremely supportive. I've never heard anything negative."

"The benefits from the 419th and from the Air Force are valuable to me and my family," Sergeant Ames said. He utilizes everything from commissary benefits to extended duty daycare during Unit Training Assemblies.

Like many other parents in the Reserve, Sergeant Ames' family has felt the effect of deployments.

"I've been away for two Christmas', and kids' birthdays," Sergeant Ames said."Its difficult, and they are just kids. They don't understand."

Sergeant Ames encourages all families to consider making a place in their home for an adopted child.

"With so many unwanted children and all of the terrible stories we all hear but ignore," Sergeant Ames said. "I think that we all have room to give a special child a chance, a home, and parents who love them and truly care about their future."

"As Americans, we have been blessed with so much," Sergeant Ames said. "One could give no greater love to a child or benefit society more than to bring a child into your home and love them as your own."