TDT #13 - Proud Veteran

One of the ways I have always done my countdowns when my  husband is away is by counting trash days.  Most of the time it isn't as daunting a number as the estimated number of days he'll be gone.  And it helps me remember to put the trash out, or rather encourage my boys to put the trash out since it's their job.  So this will be my new weekly post, and I'll just really post whatever, no real set theme.  Please feel free to join me on this adventure of counting down the time until your loved one comes home!

Woohoo, we are now past the first dreadful 90 days!

It's close to Veteran's Day and while this might seem more appropriate to be posted on the actual holiday, I feel like posting a little about how I feel on being a Veteran.

I have always been proud of the time I served in the Army.  I have never hidden it, but I will say that for a good majority of the time since I got out of the Military, I have felt awkward calling myself a Veteran.  Some of it had to do with the fact that I didn't feel "old enough" to dub myself a Veteran and many times I haven't felt like I did anything spectacular while serving.  I also admit that my self-esteem hasn't been the best when it comes to saying, yes I served in the Army given my current physical condition.

Recently I've had the opportunity to sit and chat with Soldiers in different environments and it's always interesting that even when I don't tell them that I served in the Military, they figure it out and it creates this unique, yet wonderful bond.  It's quite a compliment to me.  I have mentioned that I love the volunteer work I do which involves mostly the family side of the Military, but there is something I love even more about training and talking with Soldiers.

It's no secret that my decision to get out of the Army was a difficult one, however to this day, I still know that it was the right one.  I miss wearing the uniform, I miss the bonds you make with your battle buddies and I just miss being on that side of the Army in general.  I'm grateful however, for the moments when I can connect with a Soldier on the common ground of "getting it" as the Soldier I spoke to the other night said.  He told me it was cool that he could chat with me and I understood where he was coming from.

I feel truly blessed that my time in the Army was a positive one and that it gave me experiences that help me now in my volunteer life and my life in general.  I have never regretted serving in the Army.  I am proud to call myself a Veteran and proud to be one of the less than 1% who was willing to serve our nation..

The best experience I had in the Army was meeting my husband.  If I had never joined the Army, I would never have ended up at Fort Campbell, KY and I would likely have never met a boy from North Dakota who would end up being my husband.  The Army was good to me in more ways then one and I will forever be grateful.

Daniel sat down last night, looked a picture on his computer and commenced to draw this picture for all who serve and have served.  I love my little patriot!