On this 4th of July holiday weekend we celebrate our nation's history and the men and women who have served to protect our freedoms. However, the military families back at home also make a lot of the sacrifices we celebrate this time of year.

Meet the Millers. when Lt. Col Kelly Miller ,also known as dad to his two sons, has to be away from home for annual guard training in Gulfport, his wife and children pack up and go along with him. However, guard families say having loved ones away from home can be difficult.

"We just appreciate dad so much more when he is home," said Karen Miller of Meridian, who drove to Gulfport with her two children. This family is just one example of families making guard life work for them.

"We talk a lot of the soldiers being heroes and they are. But to me the families are the unsung heroes they don't get to wear the metals, they ones that are left behind," said Connie Myers, Wing Family Program Manager.

Pamela Walker grew up traveling with her father who was a reservist. She says she is determined to keep her close family together when her husband is away. Here Pamela and her husband Tyler enjoy a shrimp boil with their three kids ages five , three, and two months.

"My family always went with my dad every month that was a normal thing. We were excited to go and happy to go. I want my kids growing up every month with Tyler," said Walker.

Both families say they have been fortunate, neither dad has had to leave home for more than several weeks at a time. But if or when that happens they know they have the support of their families back at home.