My Soldier

I absolutely LOVE this song. This song makes me even more INCREDIBLY in love with my husband, my hero, my Soldier. Thank you to ALL of our men and women in uniform!  

Toby Keith-American Soldier

I'm just trying to be a father,
Raise a daughter and a son,
Be a lover to their mother,Everything to everyone.
Up and at 'em bright and early,
I'm all in my business suit,
Yeah, I'm dressed for success from my head down to my boots,I don't do it for money, there's still bills that I can't pay,I don't do it for the glory, I just do it anyway,
Providing for our future's my responsibility,
Yeah I'm real good under pressure, being all that I can be,
And I can't call in sick on Mondays when the weekends been to strong,I just work straight through the holidays,
And sometimes all night long.
You can bet that I stand ready when the wolf growls at the door,
Hey, I'm solid, hey I'm steady, hey I'm true down to the core,And I will always do my duty, no matter what the price,
I've counted up the cost, I know the sacrifice,
Oh, and I don't want to die for you,
But if dyin's asked of me,
I'll bear that cross with an honor,'Cause freedom don't come free.
I'm an American soldier, an American,
Beside my brothers and my sisters I will proudly take a stand,
When liberty's in jeopardy I will always do what's right,I'm out here on the front lines, sleep in peace tonight.
American soldier, I'm an American,
An American,
An American Soldier

I love you, Adam! Thank you for all you do...

 

If You Don't Stand for Something...

President Obama Supports Building of Mosque Near Ground Zero

September 11th, 2001, two jets were hijacked and the face of America changed forever. The World Trade Centers were destroyed and 3,000 Americans were killed that day. 

What's your opinion on the article above? Read it carefully...and let me know. 

We are and always will be the land of the FREE (because of the brave!) Remember that when reading. I have my opinions...and I'll share them at a later time. But I'd like to see what others have to say before I comment!

To Put it All Into Perspective...

I read a blog post today...from a nurse. It was very touching and it put a lot of things into perspective for me. She wrote,

"I was talking with one of my patients today and found out a bit of his life story. 

He was a pilot in the Army Air Corps during WWII. He was married (married his wife in 1942 shortly before he deployed). He was shot down in Germany and spent 2 years in a work camp.

And you know what? He talks about how lucky he was.

It just puts it into perspective when we sit here and complain because we haven't talked to our husbands today. He spent 2 years in a German work camp as a POW. 2 years that his wife didn't hear from him or even know if he was alive. And he calls that lucky."

Again I go with a saying that a very wise person told me "If you threw all of your problems into a pile with everyone else's problems...you'd grab yours back in a hurry". 

Be thankful for what you have and who you have! I know I am...

What NOT To Say...

I received this email and thought I'd share. SO STINKIN' TRUE. Think about it next time you talk to someone who's spouse is deployed to a combat zone...

1. “Aren’t you afraid that he’ll be killed?”
(This one ranks in at number one on the “duh” list. Of course we’re afraid. We’re terrified. The thought always lingers at the backs of our minds —but thanks brilliant, you just brought it back to the front. Maybe next you can go ask someone with cancer if they’re scared of dying.)

2. “I don’t know how you manage. I don’t think I could do it.”
(This is intended to be a compliment. Though, its just a little annoying. Here’s why: it’s not like all of us military wives have been dreaming since childhood of the day we’d get to be anxious single moms who carry cell phones with us to the bathroom and in the shower. We’re not made of some mysterious matter that makes us more capable, we just got asked to take on a challenging job. So we rose to the challenge and found the strength to make sacrifices.)

3. “At least he’s not in Iraq.”
(This is the number one most annoying comment for those whose husbands are in Afghanistan. What do they think is happening in Afghanistan? An international game of golf? Guys are fighting and dying over there.)

4. “Do you think he’ll get to come home for Christmas/anniversary/birthday/birth of a child/wedding/family reunion, etc?”
(Don’t you watch the news? No! They don’t get to come home for any of these things. Please don’t ask again.)

5. “What are you going to do to keep yourself busy while he’s gone?”
(Short answer: Try to keep my sanity. Maybe there’s a military wife out there who gets bored when her husband leaves, but I have yet to meet her. For the rest of us, those with and without children, we find ourselves having to be two people. That keeps us plenty busy. We do get lonely, but we don’t get bored, and drinking massive amounts of wine always helps keep me busy.)

6. “How much longer does he have until he can get out?”
(This one is annoying to many of us whether our husbands are deployed or not. Many of our husbands aren’t counting down the days until they “can” get out. Many of them keep signing back up again and again because they actually love what they do or they VOLUNTEER AGAIN and AGAIN to go back to Iraq b/c there is work that needs to be done.)

7. “This deployment shouldn’t be so bad, now that you’re used to it.”
(Sure, we do learn coping skills and its true the more deployments you’ve gone through, the easier dealing with it becomes. And we figure out ways to make life go smoother while the guys are gone. But it never gets “easy” and the bullets and bombs don’t skip over our guys just because they’ve been there before. The worry never goes away.)

8. “My husband had to go to Europe for business once for three weeks. I totally know what you’re going through.”
(This one is similar to number two. Do not equate your husband’s three week trip to London/Omaha/Tokyo/etc. with a 12-15 month or more deployment to a war zone. Aside from the obvious time difference, nobody shot at your husband or tried to blow him up with an I.E.D., your husband could call home pretty much any time he wanted to, he flew comfortably on a commercial plane, slept between crisp white sheets and ate well, paying for everything with an expense account. There is no comparison. We do not feel bonded to you in the slightest because of this comment and, if anything, we probably resent you a bit for it. Comparing a 12 month combat deployment to a few weeks business trip is like comparing a shitty ford taurus with mercedes convertible.)

9. “Wow you must miss him?”
(This one also gets antoher big “duh”. Of course we miss our men. There are some wives who do not and they’re now divorced.)

10. “Where is he exactly? Where is that?”
(I don’t expect non-military folks to be able to find Anbar Province on a map, but they should know by now that it’s in Iraq. Likewise, know that Kabul and Kandahar are in Afghanistan. Know that Muqtada al Sadr is the insurgent leader of the Mahdi Army in Iraq and that Sadr City is his home area. Know that Iran is a major threat to our country and that it is located between Afghanistan and Iraq. Our country has been at war in Afghanistan for seven years and at war in Iraq for five years. These basic facts are not secrets, they’re on the news every night and in the papers every day —and on maps everywhere.)

11. “Well, he signed up for it, so it’s his own fault whatever happens over there.
(Yes, ignorant, he did sign up. Each and every day he protects your right to make stupid comments like that. He didn’t sign up and ask to be hit by anything, he signed up to protect his country. Oh, and by the way, he asked me to tell you that “You’re welcome.” He’s still fighting for your freedom.)

12. “Don’t you miss sex! I couldn’t do it!”
(hmmm, no i don’t miss sex. i’m a robot. seriously…military spouses learn quickly that our relationships must be founded on something greater than sex. We learn to appreciate the important things, like simply hearing their voices, seeing their faces, being able to have dinner together every night. And the hard truth is, most relationships probably couldn’t withstand 12 months of sex deprivation.)

13. “Well in my opinion…..”
(Stop right there. Yo, I didn’t ask for you your personal political opinions. Hey, I love a heated political debate, but not in the grocery store, not in Jamba Juice, not at Nordstrom, not in a restaurant when I’m out with my girls trying to forget the war, and CERTAINLY NOT AT WORK. We tell co-workers about deployments so when we have to spend lunch hours running our asses off doing errands and taking care of the house, dog, and kids, they have an understanding. We do not tell co-workers and colleagues because we are giving an invitation to ramble about politics or because we so eagerly want to hear how much they hate the President, esp. while we’re trying to heat up our lean cuisines in the crappy office microwaves.)

last but not least….

14. “OH, that’s horrible…I’m so sorry!”
(He’s doing his job and he’s tough. Don’t be sorry. Be appreciative and please take a moment out of your comfortable American lives to realize that our soldiers fight the wars abroad so those wars stay abroad.)

If you want to say anything, say thank you. After all, we are sexually deprived for your freedom.

A Student Again!

Well, school starts in ONE week and FOUR days! I'm ridiculously excited that I'm going to be a student again. When Adam joined the Army it was agreed upon that I'd go back to school to finish my Criminal Justice degree and to enroll into the nursing program once there was a spot available (I'm already 40 credits toward my CJ degree, so I may as well finish that degree while I am waiting to get into nursing). God has a plan for everything. I'm convinced that the timing was perfect (obviously...it's God's plan and timing is always perfect). With DH deploying on such short notice, school will help make the next 365 days go by very fast (or at least I'm praying...). 

To be honest...I know I want my Criminal Justice degree so I have something to fall back on in case I cannot get into the nursing program right away. But my real ambition is to get my nursing degree and to work in Labor and Delivery. How awesome it will be to help bring tiny precious babies into the world. I'd also like to work in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) as a nurse. It's going to take a while to get into the nursing program here at JCC (Jefferson Community College). Fall of 2012 is the estimated semester that I'll be able to get in. So, while I'm waiting a year to do that...maybe I can get a job with my Criminal Justice degree.

While I find Criminal Justice very VERY interesting, the reason I won't be taking Criminal Justice any further (other than to get a job in a court house or something along those lines) is because I'm not willing to leave my young son for long enough to attend the police academy. I give so many kudos to my husband for being able to go training for 5 months just so that he can provide for his family. We Love You, Adam! Also, once he's out of the Army, he'll be going to a police academy which will require him to be gone for about 3 months. He's so strong...I'm so SO proud of him! He can go to his training and "do his duty" in the sandbox because he knows that his baby is in safe/protective/caring/loving arms. 

I will always be a loving, caring, supportive wife and mother. I LOVE my family!

Have Faith...

Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

I do not claim rights to this photograph. 

Rule #1...

I was beyond excited when we got stationed here at Fort Drum, NY. Close to family and friends, perfect climate for me...but most of all, I was THRILLED with the unit Adam got put into. They just returned from deployment so that meant no deployment for a little while and we met some awesome people. 

Soon, I found out "Rule #1". Never rely on the Army...

Adam was "voluntold" that he'd be joining a new unit and they are headed for Afghanistan. He found out on my birthday, July 26th. He'll be leaving very, very soon for his 1st tour overseas and my first "tour at home". 

So many emotions I have right now. So many wishes I have. But not one regret. I'm proud of my husband and what he's doing. He's going to do his duty and then he's going to come home to us...and that's that. Am I nervous? Am I scared? Do I wish he didn't have to go? yes, Yes, and YES! But I don't hold it against him. He's fighting to make me and our son safer in this country.

I love you, Adam. You're going to do wonderful. You're not even gone yet and I can't wait for you to come back home.

The move...

It's been a while since I've updated this. I'm going to be updating my blog more frequently now. This is a time in my life that I want to document...because the Army "experience" is something that's now a huge part of our life.

Adam graduated Military Police school at Fort Leonard Wood, MO on April 22, 2010. I've never seen a more proud Adam. That's for sure! He's incredibly handsome in uniform, too ;) (but...I move away from that one).

We received orders for Fort Drum, NY. That's where we are now. I'm going to post more soon...but I just wanted to give everyone an update.

Blessings.

The News...

Suddenly, the news has become my worst enemy. My husband is currently at Fort Leonard Wood, MO for OSUT (One Station Unit Training) to become 31B – Military Police. Their motto…”The First In – The Last To Leave”. FYI – I hate that motto. *insert angry face here*

I hate watching the news because it just reminds me that my husband, at some point during his career, is going to be in harms way. The news never reports the troops coming home, or a town out troops have secured, or the joys of a country who really does want the US there (and they do…). They just report on death and destruction…and never homecoming – just leaving.

From now on it’s Nick Jr. for Noah and Army Wives on Sundays at 10pm for me!

UGH!

The Wife

Author Unknown - (I thought this was a beautiful poem...pretty much sums up the feelings of an Army Wife)


Another sleepless night for me
Alone upon our bed
I see again his every move
And those last words he said.

So proud he looked in uniform
Convinced that he was right
He had to go, for duty called
There was a war to fight.

Those last few days before he left
I hid the pain inside
We talked and loved and even joked
He never knew I cried.

And when the dreaded moment came
He kissed me tenderly.
His eyes met mine, and then he said,
"I'll be all right, you'll see."

I tried to smile and nod my head
Afraid to let him see
The terror that I feared if he
Did not come back to me.

I see him as he walked away
I tried to say 'good-bye'
But words were trapped within my throat
All I could do was cry.

The weeks have stretched now into months
And every night I pray
That God will keep him in his care
And bring him home one day.

At last I drift off into sleep
In dreams I see him more
I turn around and smile to hear
His footsteps at the door.

Restless I sleep, and then I wake
Not opening my eyes
I move my hand to reach for him
But no one near me lies.

I will not give in to despair
With each new day I'll cope
For I know he would want me to
Be brave and live with hope.

I hear the voices loud and strong
Who criticize the war
While yelling men are fools to go
They stay on freedoms shore.

A man who cowers under fear
Will die a thousand deaths
While men like mine for freedom fight
And offer their last breaths.

I hope perhaps in fifty years
When men remember war
They won't forget the wives who dreamed
Of footsteps at the door.

Afghanistan - a new from an Army Wife

So I’m a wife…an Army wife. Day to day it’s proving to be more difficult everyday. Having your husband gone with little contact is quite the challenge especially with a one year old running around day and night. Currently, my husband is training to be a military police officer and Fort Leonard Wood, MO (Fort Lost in the Woods, Misery) has him until April. Right now, I only have to worry about him enduring bully drill sergeants and exhaustion. But he’s safe. I count my blessings everyday that my husband is safe.

President Obama’s words on December 1st affected no one like they affected those who will be sending their loved ones off (or the possibility of sending their loved ones off). My heart goes out to you all. My husband finishes training April of 2010. President Obama has stated that most of the 30,000 troops will deploy early next year “moving at the fastest pace possible”. I pray every night he’ll get lucky enough and miss the deployment until later in his career. Selfishly, I want my husband to myself for a while. 5 months of training and then moving to our duty station (which could be anywhere in the world)…I just want him to be home for a while.

“Early 2010” could mean March…April…May. Don’t get my wrong. Deployment is the reason our troops train like they do. It’s the reason they form such close bonds with each other. It’s what WE signed up for. I know it will come; I just need some time before that happens.

With that said…I truly support President Obama’s decision to send an additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan (which FYI…I don’t think I can listen to another “he said he was pulling all of our troops out and now look at what he’s doing!”…What our President said was he wanted to get our troops withdrawn from Iraq but “Afghanistan is a war of necessity”). If I didn’t support the troop surge…what would I be supporting? Just think about this…there are men and woman over there who are being killed simply because they don’t have the man power or gun power to help defend themselves. Most of all…what I do support are my husband’s comrades. My husbands (and mine for that matter) newly found family. Those men and women are over there in the sandbox without the defenses they need. Those men and women who would gladly stand at my husbands back and defend him NEED the same from their comrades here at home. Our country needs to pull together for THEM if no one else.

I feel for the spouses “left behind”. Maybe with more man/gun power over there…there will be a more speedy result in Afghanistan but more importantly our loves ones (ALL OF THEM) will return to us safely.

God Bless all of our troops and those who support them. All of those “left behind” waiting…worrying…supporting your soldiers, God Bless you and you’re not alone.

With love,
Amanda

The Silent Ranks...

Unknown Author


I wear no uniforms, no blues or army greens.
But I am in the military in the ranks rarely seen.
I have no rank upon my shoulders, salutes I do not give.
But the military world is the place where I live.

I'm not in the chain of command, orders I do not get.
But my husband is the one who does, this I cannot forget.
I'm not the one who fires the weapon, who puts my life on the line.
But my job is just as tough. I'm the one that's left behind.

My husband is a patriot, a brave and prideful man,
And the call to serve his country, not all can understand.
Behind the lines I see the things needed to keep this country free.
My husband makes the sacrifice, but so do our kids and me.

I love the man I married. Patriotism is his life.
But I stand among the silent ranks known as the military wife.

OSUT (One Station Unit Training)

The first stop…the first true test. Not just a test for him, but a test for me as well.
Lets look back approximately a month ago, shall we? I’m standing in the official “Swearing In” room at the MEPS center. Seeing my husband swear in was kind of…a mix of emotions, I suppose. Bitter sweet, some may say. Proud that I’m married to a man who wants to be part of the “bigger picture” and frustrated/saddened that the Army now “owns” him and for the next 5 years, WE do as they say…and (as for those of you who know me…) I start balling once I hug him.
Then, I load myself, my son, & and my aunt into the car – we drive to the airport. I know what’s waiting for me there…more tears. Expecting to get some special time with my husband before he boards, he comes into the airport from the shuttle bus – lead of his group. He has to coordinate 6 other people to get to the gate and board on time without flaw (I call it his first true test J). He was doing wonderfully until “miss little truck driver” decided she wanted nothing to do with getting orders from someone who was a “her”. She took off and just met everyone at the gate (upon arrival at the Saint Louis airport, she decided she wanted more time to eat her lunch…so got smoked by the drill instructor, big time).
Well, everyone arrived at the gate & boarded. No time for “special time”. We watched his plane leave and that was it.
I must say, that was the hardest week for me. I was in a serious slump. But, here I am…at the one month mark and I’m doing just great. I’m anxiously awaiting his arrival home for Christmas – he’ll be home for 2 weeks and then he goes back. But what an extremely special Christmas that will be! I don’t need a gift…mine will be walking off the plane in ACU’s J.
Our plans for 2 weeks? Spending special time together…drinking a little too much (while our little guy is with a sitter, of course!)…see a movie, eat awesome holiday food,…relax, and share the beautiful Christmas season together. Also, on December 17th, our beautiful baby boy, Noah, will turn ONE! How exciting that Daddy will be home to celebrate his birthday!!!
We’ve come a long way to get to this step in Adam’s career and essentially, his dream. He’s finally there…I’m so proud of him!
As for me…this newly labeled “Army Wife”, I’ve never been more happy and proudJ. I plan to take every experience and learn from those experiences. I know there is much…much…much for me to learn along the way. In what ways can I best support my husband/soldier? How can I comfort him when he needs it? How can I give him encouragement when he needs it? And how can I be the best wife and mom possible? With all these questions, I keep coming back to the same answers…
Love and Faith. Prayer…

God Bless & thanks for reading –
Amanda

Introduction to our journey!

I’m really excited to share my journey with you. I’m a 23 year old mom and Army Wife. Our Army journey began very recently ago (November 18, 2009). My husband is currently at training for 31B – Military Police in Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He will be there until April 2010. My husband is my hero and my best friend. He’s living his dream and I am, as well. I never thought at 23 years old I’d be happily married with a beautiful 1 year old boy who keeps me on my toes every waking hour!

Professional plan of mine?...School is in the horizon as soon as we get to our first duty station. I’m still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up ;). Right now…my main focus is being the best mother and wife I can be.

I hope you’ll follow me on my journey as I document the joys, trails, frustrations, and whatever else may come from being an Army wife and mother.

God Bless,
Amanda -