April is not just another month on the calendar; it's a time to honor the strength and courage of our military children. Among them are the unsung heroes within our Bryant staff team like Lisa McNeely, who serves as our district social worker.
Lisa's father, First Lieutenant Noel A. Harris, was aircraft commander of an Army helicopter gunship. While flying in Vietnam's Kien Giang Province on March 22, 1970, tragedy struck when his aircraft was hit by enemy gunfire, forever altering the course of Lisa's life.
At just 7 months old, Lisa lost her father, but his legacy of bravery and selflessness lived on. Lieutenant Harris was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism above and beyond the call of duty.
Lisa’s mother never remarried, dedicating her life to raising Lisa. “I have not experienced having a father or siblings. After all this time, I often wonder what we could have shared together such as father/daughter dances, the moment your dad gives you away at your wedding, and seeing him as a grandfather to my children,” said Lisa.
In his absence, Lisa learned about her father in his letters from Vietnam and the stories shared by his comrades in his unit.
Today, Lisa and her mother stand as testaments to the enduring spirit of military families everywhere. Her mother is part of the Gold Star Wives of America and is active with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC. Lisa said, “I have the most heartfelt respect for men and women who serve our country every day, and the sacrifices that they make to keep our country safe even at the expense of their own families and even their lives." Lisa’s social work career has been dedicated to serving both civilian and military children and families.
As we honor the Month of the Military Child, let us also pay tribute to the resilience and strength of individuals like Lisa McNeely, whose stories remind us of the true meaning of courage and sacrifice. Their legacy lives on in every military child who bravely faces the challenges of a life in service to our nation.
