10 years.

September 11th, 2011 is approaching...10 years our country has been at war. An entire decade of our military fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. 10 years since Operation Enduring Freedom began.

When I was sitting in math class that morning, freshman year of highschool watching the terror unfold on tv. I never would have thought that one day...something that felt like it had NOTHING to do with me, would have everything to do with me.

After three deployments to Iraq, and years of watching my friends and familys serve their country I think I can honestly say, I've seen enough. We take our war from one country to another, more lives lost, more days alone and what do we have to show for it? I'm not one to debate the war nor am I one to question our reason for the war...but I feel like nowadays it's more likely you will meet someone who has been to Iraq or Afghan multiple times, rather than someone who hasn't gone at all.

I serve this country proudly, and will always be proud of the part I have taken in this war. I dont know if I will ever feel like I made a difference, especially now that my once high ops tempo job has now turned into a not so ops tempo at all, to behind a desk.

So, this September 11th I promise to hold those close to me dear to my heart. To thank the Lord for bringing me back safe not once, twice..but three times as well as my husband. I will remember those that did not make it back with me. Chavis needs no remembering because he is a part of me everyday. A thought in the back of my mind at least once through out my day, even more so now as the anniversary of his death approaches. My life changed 10 years ago, my life changed even more drastically 5 years ago. Our country is still at war, and no matter your beliefs or feelings about it...it is apart of you. Take time this sunday to honor those that have served, and are still serving. Take time to remember the lives lost that day...and the price our military pays on a day to day bases for our freedom.
My heart is always with the families effected and with those that must sacrifice daily as well. The moms who stay home waiting for their soldiers return, the wife who sits home alone at night waiting anxiously for that phone call to know that everything is alright. This life is not easy, and it takes true strength to get through those tough moments. So, I tip my hat to you as well.

Chavis if I could choose one day in my life to have never happened. I wish that October 14th 2006 could be wiped off the calendar. I'd change everything to make sure you were still here. You were an amazing friend, and I hold our moments we spent together closer than I have ever held something before. I force myself to never forget. Your laugh, your jokes and ability to stay positive even in the scariest moments. I was only 20 years old, but learned so much that year. I wish I could change it all, even now as I write this..but I can't. Your sacrifice will never be in vain, our military continues to fight to ensure that.

So, with that...I hope everything has a good weekend, really takes times Sunday to reflect on these last 10 years...and where we are now.