JACKSONVILLE, Fla — In this week’s service stories, we want to honor all of our military moms.

April Martin is a proud wife and mother who served in the military for eight and a half years. She was deployed to Afghanistan twice during her military career.

“Being a woman in the military, for me, was a great experience. Especially on deployments when we were doing missions. We were equals,” April Martin said.

But, as a woman, and at the time a single mother in the military, she admits there were some challenges.

“For example, I remember we had what’s called a jungle training course in Hawaii. A lot of men were able to go. When it came to me…they were like you’re a mother I was turned down because I was a single mom,” Martin explained.

Statistics show that less than 20% of active duty military personnel are women. According to a Government Accountability Office report, more and more women are joining the military, but for those who are mothers, being separated from their children for long periods and a lack of support was a major reason to end their military service.

Natalie Marcano-Sidberry was in the United States Navy for 11 years. Now she’s a case manager with Northeast Florida Veterans. She is a mother who became homeless after leaving the army.

“When I came out, life went on as a mother. I wanted to focus on my children back then. I forgot about the traumas that happened in the military. I had good times. I’ve had some bad times,” Natalie Marcano-Sidberry says.

Our veterans, especially those who are mothers, face challenges. Military leaders say they are working to address some of those concerns.

To all our veterans who are mothers, we wish you a happy Mother’s Day and thank you for your service.