A little over 6 months ago, I received a phone call from my commander at the 211th Maintenance Unit. He told me that I had orders to show up at the 1191st Engineer Company in Portsmouth, Oh…that weekend. He also told me that there were rumors of this unit deploying to Afghanistan. This was pretty shocking news, seeing as how I pretty much had the next year already planned out with vacations and time with my family – not to mention that my wife and I were ready to add to our family. There was a mixture of emotions, especially for my wife.
6 months later – the rumors were true. We have officially received our orders and we are expected to ship out soon. Although, I’m extremely excited for (our) new adventure. Yes, (our) new adventure. Because my wife is due to have our second one just shortly before we deploy. We will be living separately for the next year, while I do my duty overseas and my wife manages two kids by herself. Somehow, I probably got the better end of the deal on this one.
The days are closer, and time is now short, but I couldn’t be more fortunate to deploy with a better group of guys. Being in the Army National Guard is an honor, but many days it can be a drag. Many of us don’t feel that we’ve given all that we have to offer to this country. This is an opportunity for us all to contribute to the freedom of America, despite our personal feelings toward this war. But this is why I joined. To give a little bit back, for all the every day things I take for granted.
It’s bittersweet to leave my family, especially my newest Ellie (which will be here soon). Everyday I work with an incredible group of guys in my civilian job and they challenge me to be better daily. But I am glad to have the chance to do something bigger, and build camaraderie with my brothers and sisters in arms.
I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the next year. It’s obvious that there will be the good days and bad days, but isn’t that what memories are made out of? Every day I leave for the military, I miss my family. But everyday I’m with them, I cherish that time so much more. I look forward to next year and the accomplishment of helping bring our troops one step closer to coming home for good. Thanks for reading. Carpe Diem.
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