background

Showing posts with label military. Show all posts
Showing posts with label military. Show all posts

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Crisis Averted.

Have you guys seen this??   How sad.  So glad that this guy was arrested before he could do any harm to our soldiers and their families.  It's bad enough that our military has to watch their backs when they're overseas;  they shouldn't have to watch out for one of their own to attack them while at home!

Soldier arrested in 'terror plot' targeting Fort Hood

Photobucket

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Remembering the reason

This afternoon my family and I had a belated Father's day lunch for my dad and grandpa. We were talking about everyone's plans for the upcoming weekend, when my grandpa said something that spoke to me. 

"People these days don't even remember why we celebrate the 4th of July"

It struck something within me because I had a similar feeling this past Memorial Day....  Have these holidays become a paid day off of work that allows for parties and fireworks?  Have we moved from paying tribute to our country to paying tribute to ourselves for putting up with this crazy life we live in? 

I hope not.

And if so, how do we change that?  How do we inspire our friends, families and neighbors to celebrate patriotism while they enjoy their holiday weekend?  


Photobucket

Monday, May 30, 2011

Memorial Day

I spent the weekend at my sister's cabin and had such a great time.  The trip to the lake was very last minute for me, but I really enjoyed spending time with her, her husband, and my beautiful niece AJ.  The weekend was a mixture of down time (because of rain, again) allowing me to make a great dent in my book, a quick bonfire, great food, and a boat ride complete with a teeny bit of sunburn. 

In all of this, I thought about S often.  How much he would have enjoyed spending the weekend there as well..... When I pulled the sweatshirt on that I wore to a bonfire the night prior, I was instantly reminded that the bonfire smell is his absolute favorite - He would seriously wear it as cologne if he could... seriously.  I thought about how much fun he would have had fishing today during our couple of hours on the lake.  When I saw all of the American Flags that lined the streets of the small town in Wisconsin, my mind would always shift back to him. 

To S:  Thank you for inspiring me with your courage and faith... courage to go to a war zone for a second time and having faith in me that I have the strength and bravery to go through this deployment as well.  Thank you for teaching me how to trust... for showing me that a relationship can be strong enough to sustainweeks/months without communication.  Thank you for being such an amazing role model and example of selflessness and commitment to a better good.  For teaching me patience (well, maybe we're still working on that one!) to roll with the punches and learn to deal with uncertainties that I cannot change.  And most of all, thank you for showing me what love is.... for making me feel it so much that I couldn't imagine spending 6 weeks without you let alone 14 months.... for giving me the strength to go day by day... and for showing me what true committment and faith really is.

To those that love a soldier or service-member, thank you for letting go of your loved ones while they fight for us.  Thank you for standing by them even though it means you have to serve in your own way as well.  Thank you, for supporting their bravery, pride, and desire to make an impact....

And to those of you who have lost a soldier, words cannot express my gratitude for their service and the sympathies I wish you and your family. 

Also, today I'm remembering my Grandpa C, a WWII vet.  He left this world for his next adventure last July and we miss him dearly.

Happy Memorial Day. 

Photobucket

Friday, May 27, 2011

In Remembrance

Remember...
- That you have freedoms some people will never imagine
- That your country stands for democracy, free will, hard work, and perseverance
- That you can get up each and every day and decide how you want to spend your day
- That this country, this lifestyle, this freedom comes with a great price....

Casualties 6,033
Operation Iraqi Freedom 4,421
Operation Enduring Freedom 1,576
Operation New Dawn 36


As of 27 May 2011 10AM EDT

It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.
— George S. Patton

Photobucket

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

7,000 More

Summer Deployments

Found the update above on ArmyTimes.com...  7,000 more Army soldiers will be deploying to Iraq sometime from mid-summer to fall of this year.

7,000!!

So many soldiers, girlfriends/wives, children, husbands/boyfriends, mothers, fathers, siblings are preparing to say goodbye.  They're picturing all the events and moments that they're soldier won't be around for, getting anxiety about how to spend their time together, what to say, what to do.... 

My heart goes out to them.  And I'm realizing (surprisingly, for the first time) truly how much of a community we all are.  If at least 5 people love each one of those soldiers, that's 35,000 people going through what I went through.... Having the same thoughts and fears and questions I have. 

I wish them all well.... I don't envy the goodbye ahead of them and the anticipation of deployment day.

Selfishly, I no longer feel so alone in this. 

Photobucket

Monday, May 9, 2011

If you have never loved a soldier...

If you have never loved a soldier, then you wouldn't know how it feels to watch him leave, never knowing when you will see his face again. You wouldn't know the pain endured and tears shed with every good-bye. You wouldn't know how it feels to hope and pray he comes back the same man you fell in love with. You wouldn't know how it feels to cry yourself to sleep for months on end, and the longing to simply touch his cheek. You wouldn't know the heartache after missing his long awaited call or the hint of happiness when you realize that you are now able to listen to the voicemail over and over again. You wouldn't understand why a Friday night on the phone with him beats going out with the girls. You haven't truly felt the lack of sleep until after those long phone calls that go on until midnight his time, six A.M. yours when you have to get up for work at seven.

If you've never loved a soldier you wouldn't know how it feels to go to a restaurant or to the mall, attempting not to notice couples holding hands, trying to hold back tears, knowing it will be twenty seven weeks until your fingers are once more intertwined in his.

If you've never had a soldier sweetheart, you would never be able to comprehend the immense pride that fills your smile when you wear his sweatshirt with 'ARMY' across your chest, or the reason you wear his dog tags: to always keep him close to your heart. You wouldn't know what its like to cuddle up in his clothes and grasp the teddy bear he made you last week, knowing that its the closest to him you can get. You wouldn't understand how decorating the back of your car with bumper stickers could ever be cool, and the connection you feel with another whose car wears the same emblem as your own. You wouldn't know the sacrifice, the willingness to let go of someone you love so much for the good of faceless strangers who would not have spared him a passing glance, had he been in his civilian clothes. You wouldn't know the feeling of uncertainty, never knowing where he will be sent next year, or next week. You would never know how it feels to be left alone with your hopes, dreams, and fears, to have your whole future hanging in the balance of the next couple months until he comes home.

If you've never loved a soldier, you would never fully know the meaning of the phrase: 'HOOAH!' You wouldn't be able to comprehend the anxiousness of waiting for the mailman, the extreme joy when a letter finally arrives, and the tears that follows as you read his quick scribbled handwriting. You wouldn't ever have to send a letter with its stamp upside down to a faraway camp in a land you rather not know about. You wouldn't understand the anticipation leading up to the day when you can once again hold him in your arms. You wouldn't know why that feeling of awe over a man in uniform, has suddenly become a deep longing and grief because you miss your man so much.

If your heart has never belonged to a soldier you wouldn't know what its like to become ecstatic when you see a man in dress blues across a billboard, freak out when you watch the commercial on T.V., and feel your chest tighten when you read a sign that says Support our Troops, Bring Them Home! You wouldn't understand this because you do not realize that he wanted to fight, and as much as you need him, you know our country needed him more. You'll never understand the strength you have to muster up to be strong and put on a smile for the world, even though you feel so weak inside.

Unless you've loved a soldier, you wouldn't know that the meaning behind his girls smile is heartache and longing, pride and joy, willingness and uncertainty, and a love great enough to cross oceans, encompass deserts, transcend mountains, and overcome anything that comes between the two of them.

-Unknown

Photobucket

Friday, May 6, 2011

Mil-Spouse (and Girlfriend?) Appreciation Day

Today is a tough day for me.... Can't really get in to details about it but I found it very fitting that today has become MilSpouse Appreciation Day. 

Although I'm not an Army wife, I feel that all of us (wives, girlfirends, husbands, boyfriends) have a tough job as well as our significant others.  Please support those who are at home having to hold everything together all while supporting the brave men and women that are fighting for you. 

Thanks, Barack Obama, for recognizing all of the sacrifices we make as people who love and support a soldier.

Obama declares May 6 MilSpouse Appreciation Day
"Military spouses serve as steady and supportive partners to the heroes in uniform who protect and defend our great Nation every day. Across America and around the world, military spouses serve our country in their own special way, helping families and friends through the stress of a deployment, caring for our wounded warriors, and supporting each other when a loved one has made the ultimate sacrifice." Barack Obama


Photobucket

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Please don't forget....

Images are all over the media about Osama bin Laden's death and the compound that he was living in.  This event in history isn't just about being an American or winning a war.  It's about fighting for humanity.  It's about taking one loss for the greater good of not only a nation, but all nations.

weeklyreader.com

wflx.com

New York Times

Yes, over the last few days there have been a lot of questions about how bin Laden was able to hide out for as long as he did, what (if any) retaliation we may face, and whether he was armed or not. But Americans are proud of their military again.... they are coming together to show that we will not tolerate terrorist acts on innocent people.  We will protect eachother and we will support eachother.  

There are also a lot of people using social media outlets to express their "disappointment" of the USA and that we killed bin Laden.  I have a hard time reading things like that and thus have taken a break from facebook. I know everyone's entitled to their opinion which means I'm entitled to mine. To those people: How can you forget?  How can you put aside all of the truly awful and evil things this man has done and contributed to?  How come each time a soldier dies fighting for your freedom you don't even pay attention let alone post about how their life was injustly taken?  Heaven forbid they make your Facebook status... This man trained children and young men to hate.  Is taking him out in his home really that much different than putting him through a drawn out trial to give him the death penalty? 

I haven't forgotten.  I'm reminded every day of the post 9/11 world we now live in. 
My boyfriend hasn't forgotten.  Whether he's supported or not, he's making one of the ultimate sacrifices.  He's protecting our country because he believes what we as a country stand for and wants to be active in defending that.

I realize everyone has their opinion.... And in a perfect world, we'd all get along, share our resources, and play nice.  But this isn't a perfect world.  And I will never forget why we're in the place we are. 

Troy Rosasco

theintelhub.com

familysecuritymatters.org

homepost.kpbs.org

irandefence.net


Photobucket

Monday, May 2, 2011

Justice

I've been catching up on all of the articles and information that's come out about USA's attack and capture of Osama BinLaden's compound and body.  I have very mixed feelings about the situation which is odd.  On one hand, I feel very thankful that justice has been served to this awful excuse of a human being.  As if all of the travesties he's responsible for and the mass killing and evil isn't enough, he shows his true colors right before his life was taken from him.... he uses a woman as a human shield in an attempt to save his own life. 

However, it's hard for me to celebrate a death.  It's something that I have never done in my 28 years and I don't really know how to do it.  I guess I'm happy for the fact that he can no longer hurt innocent people and that we've sent a message to his followers that we will persevere until justice has been served. But I definitely wasn't celebrating last night when I heard the news.

Instead, my reaction was one of gratitude.... I am so thankful for all of the brave soldiers who day in and day out put their lives aside to fight for a greater cause and to create a world that's a little better from the day before.  With that comes gratitude for the soldier's significant others and family... They also play a big part in the success of our military operations.... Troops that are loved and supported at home can focus on their top priority at the time... Keeping themselves and their fellow soldiers safe. 

I was also extrememly proud of what my soldier has and will continue to do.  It really sunk in what an impact he has when Obama called out the fantastic work of military intelligence.  Although this is truly one of the hardest situations I've ever been in, it makes me feel safe to know that I have someone fighting for me.  Even though he's not with me and I dont' really get to talk to him, I know he's thinking about me and giving his entire self to protecting this amazing place we call home.

Finally, I felt relief.... I've struggled with the fact that that many Americans had started to forget that we are still at war and have military in multiple countries.  Although I may have mixed feelings about the latest victory for our war on terrorism, it makes me really happy to see the renewed American pride and sense of unity that we had after 9/11.  I'm relieved that S is serving when people know, understand, and appreciate all of the things he and his unit are doing. 

Whatever your thoughts are on the recent events, please don't forget about the men and women that work day in and out to protect our country.  Please remember them and the people that love and stand by them and pray that they return safetly.... I'll warn you that the video below is a tear jerker...


Photobucket

Saturday, April 2, 2011

One day closer

Yesterday was really tough for me. There was a lot going on at work as usual, but I got to have lunch with S's mom which was nice. She mentioned that when she asked S on Thursday if his flight back for his 3 day visit was booked yet, he replied back to her that he wasn't sure they were going to let him come home.

I was pretty good about not allowing myself to get worked up until I knew for sure what his plans are. Last night when I got home I was able to get a short text conversation with bf and he confirmed what I was dreading.

I don't understand why they won't let him come back; his deployment date hasn't changed. It's been a while since I've really cried like that (actually, just over 3 weeks). I can't believe that I won't get to spend a couple more days with him and late fall/early winter seems so far away.

I was able to pull it together, grab my college sweatshirt, and put my waterproof mascara on before going over to a friends house for the night. As much as I wanted to be by myslef, I had to go somewhere where there were people and I wouldn't be able to be a mess. I spent all day in bed today and went to dinner with my mom and jb (her bf).

Now I'm back to just me and my thoughts. I'm so thankful, though, that I was able to say what I did when I saw him off a few weeks ago. I was betting on another chance to talk about us, sleep next to him, and laugh with him before his deployment; however, I didn't understand that wasn't a guarantee. I can't believe I won't get to kiss him or hug him for 7 months. This sucks.

My friend JC gave me great advice last night, though. She told me that everyday I can tell myself that I am one day closer to what I was yesterday. If I could get through yesterday, I can get through today.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

It's the little things....

I was getting pretty discouraged tonight. It had been 3 days since I'd talked to S and I was starting to get really down. I've been working a lot to keep busy and trying to focus on something other than the constant questions floating around my head. Amazing how one name lighting up on my cell phone screen can completely change my mood. Funny how the things that seem so insignificant when life is 'normal' become so important when your world gets flipped around.

I got to hear all about the Anthrax shots, hours waiting in lines to fill out paperwork, and all of the other exciting things he's doing ;) But, he was talkative (well, talkative for him :) ) and we were able to catch up and joke around like normal. Almost as if I'm not a number of days away from saying good bye for a very long time. But that's the way I want it. I don't want to be sad until he's gone, and after tonight I feel much better about being able to do that.... At least that's my thought as of today. Each day seems to bring different emotions.

I may try to take a day or two off next week and see if I can find a deal for a quick get-away; I'd love any ideas if you have them. I'm also trying to convince him to let me organize getting his friends and mine together Saturday.... he's definitely resisting (S hates being the center of attention) but I have a feeling he will cave.


'Everyday may not be good, but there's something good in ever day' - Unknown

Monday, February 28, 2011

Case of the Monday's

How is it that Monday's always seem to sneak up so quickly? Today's been a rough day for me.... I was involved in something at work that I have no control over (again!). However, things will work themselves out and I need to keep that in mind.

S is currently out of state doing his deployment prep. Tomorrow will be filled with lots of shots, paperwork and tests to make sure he's ready for deployment. I'm hoping that his body reacts well to the different medications and immunizations and that he doesn't have to visit medical or have a reaction.

The last couple days have been a little tough for me. I had a lot of fun this weekend - Friday night I went to see my brother-in-law's band play with my sister, and Saturday some of my girls and I had a 'Just Dance' competition and went out for a few drinks. However, getting ready Saturday night to go over to Jenny's, I had my first breakdown since I found out about S's deployment. I think everything caught up with me and I'm having a hard time staying positive. I feel like S is pulling away from me and detaching.... Everything I've read about how a soldier prepares for deployment says that seperation is normal, but it doesn't make me feel any better. And naturally, when he pulls away I try to get closer. I also feel like there's more tension with him. He's anxious and wants to just get going, and I think we're both tired of talking about it. I know it's a stage and I have to have faith that all will work out... but it doesn't make it easier. All I can do is support him and try to have an open mind about the next few weeks/months.

I keep having to remind myself that thousands of girlfriends/wives/families go through this every day; if they can do it, so can I. However, I will say that having to deal with this really sucks. It has made me look more closely at what our mission is overseas and the ongoing war. Please remember as you enjoy the choices you get to make everyday, that freedom comes with a price. Even though it has been 9 1/2 years since 9/11, there are still soldiers putting their lives on hold every day and fighting for peace and equality. Even though the media coverage has stopped and people have moved on with their lives, please don't forget what our brave boyfriends, husbands, brothers, fathers, sisters and mothers are doing. Keep them and their loved ones in your prayers.


"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything" Phillipeans 4:6