It's probably the most accurate statement in all humanity.
Some of you reading this have never met neither me, or my wife. I have talked a lot about what I am doing on this deployment, but I'd like to say a few things about what she is doing...
My wife Julie is a graduate student at George Washington University in Washington, DC. After graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in Athletic Training, she decided to go East while the Army took me West. We ended up 3,000 miles away both in Washington, but different ones. We were married on October 28, 2011 in East Lansing, MI. We are both in love with Michigan, our home state, and look forward to moving back there to raise a family at some point in the future.
Just two days after we were married, we flew back to our separate Washington's. While most people are able to celebrate with a honeymoon, we were just fortunate to be able to be together for Thanksgiving and Christmas, before turning our focus to the upcoming deployment.
We have currently been married for 223 days, yet have only spent 34 days together. In 223 days of marriage I have been able to hug or kiss my wife just 15% of those days. The sacrifices we have made pull at our hearts, yet they pull us closer together as well.
We have mastered old fashioned letter writing, Skype, Facebook, and every possible form of communication. In an age where people no longer memorize cell phone numbers, hers is etched into my brain like the spelling of my own name. The rare chance to call is a precious moment that I always must be ready for.
Julie is truly amazing. On top of a graduate course load, work with her gymnastics team, and an internship with a professional sports franchise, she has somehow found the time to take care of our familial needs as well as regularly mailing packages to Afghanistan for myself and the guys of 2nd platoon.
I have received many emails and messages thanking me for my service, and the sacrifices I make. The truth is, this job is easy for those of us that are here. We are focused on our job and the time flies by. For our spouses though, this is an incredibly difficult time. Without Julie's heart of gold and incredible perseverance I'm not sure I could focus as well as I do on the war effort.
Words cannot describe just how blessed I am to have her in my chain of command. She proves everyday that love and loyalty can conquer time and distance.
Until next time...
Chris
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