In this photograph, Defenders Above, I was struck not only by the monument itself but by the ADA symbol on the water tower in the background. For me, as an ADA branch wife, that detail carries deep personal meaning.

The Air Defense Artillery branch has a unique mission: to defend from above, watching the skies with vigilance and readiness. From missile defense to modern air defense systems, ADA soldiers carry the responsibility of protecting others from threats most of us will never see. Their work is constant, often behind the scenes, and yet absolutely vital to the safety of those on the ground.

As a military spouse, I’ve witnessed the weight of that responsibility carried by my husband and his fellow ADA soldiers. Their service is not just about standing ready – it’s about dedication, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to defend. Seeing the ADA symbol in the background of this image made it all the more personal. It felt like a quiet acknowledgment of the branch’s pride, history, and enduring presence.

Defenders Above is more than a military monument captured on camera. It is a visual tribute to the Air Defense Artillery community – soldiers and families alike – who dedicate themselves to a mission often invisible to the world, but critical to its safety.

For those connected to ADA, whether through service or family, this image is a reminder that we are part of something larger. The monument and the symbol together stand not only for defense, but for honor, vigilance, and heritage.