FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Deployments, temporary duty assignments, permanent change of stations and long work hours, are just some of the unique challenges that military families worldwide may encounter, the McElroys are no exception.

Tech. Sgt. Myron McElroy has worked in the aircraft maintenance career field since he entered the Air Force 11 years ago. Between long shifts, multiple TDYs, eight deployments and countless medical appointments for his children, Myron said it was all possible because of the constant support of his wife and three kids.

"Having their continuous support has been awesome," Myron said. "I couldn't have done it without them."

Myron married his wife Pam in March of 2000, then entered the military three years later. Pam said she was excited to become an Air Force family member even though she didn't know what to expect.

"The only advice I got was from Myron's grandmother. She told me to follow him wherever he goes, and that's what I've done," Pam said. "It's been great. My children have gotten to experience life in society in a whole different way. I'm glad they have the experiences they do."

While eight deployments in 11 years could be challenging for any military family, that was the least of the challenges the Mcelroys have faced. Pam and Myron are the proud parents of three children. When Myron entered basic training Pam was pregnant with Morgan, who is now 11.

Pam said they were oversees in England at the time when Morgan was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, a disorder that is characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication.

"That in itself was hard," said Pam. "It was especially difficult when Myron was gone because he was a routine kid. Yet, with the support of Myron's coworkers and our family, he was always able to adapt."

Before moving back to the states the McElroy's had their daughter Makayla, who is now 9. Then shortly after their PCS to Fairchild they became parents for a third time to their son Brennan.

Both Myron and Pam said they were always grateful to have the constant support of their squadron, and even when Brennan was born it was Airmen in the shop who came to help with the other two young children while they were in the hospital. The McElroys said they always had support from their family in North Carolina as well, but, as most service members know, distance can sometimes be an issue.

It was after the birth of their third child they would face one of their biggest challenges so far - Brennan was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, a disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. He also tested positive for a large amount of allergies.

The McElroys worked closely with the medical technicians on and off base to learn about CF. Having a medical background as well, Pam learned to administer Brennan's treatments at the house.

"Brennan needs daily treatments, but if he gets sick he needs way more assistance," Pam said. "The roughest point we faced was when he caught the flu and had a flare up, resulting in him having to go to the hospital.  When we arrived they predicted he would be there at least three weeks. Myron was deployed at the time and with the assistance of the Airman and Family Readiness Center and his first sergeant, Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Newsom, he was able to come back early."

Pam said she was so lucky to have people from Myron's shop who were very helpful, and because she took some medical training, Brennan was able to come back from the hospital in 13 days and she took care of his semi-permanent IV.  When the mission calls and Myron is gone for work or deployed, Pam is not left solo. His two oldest children step up to the plate.

"The kids are a big help when their dad is gone," Pam said. "The two oldest ones already know how to handle Brennan's medical conditions and constantly step up to help the family. While they are sad to see their father leave, they have learned this is our lifestyle and we always have fun no matter what."

When their dad is gone they stay in constant contact and send care packages. While the McElroys have stared in the face of challenges, they have always remained optimistic because they had each other and their military family.

"There has always been that handful of people in our units who have been so helpful, and it's great to know that I can always pick up the phone and I can count on someone to be there no matter what," said Pam. "Family is your blood, but family is also your heart. I have been lucky to have been blessed with both. I always say in the Air Force I have way more kids then I have given birth to. And when push comes to shove, they are always right there."