Independence Day

I know it's a day early...but for us, today is Independence Day. That Guy I Married is officially retired from the US Army.

It seems like the Army has almost always been a part of my life. My Dad served in the Army when I was a kid and even when he got out he still worked for the government. Still does. In fact, he will be retiring from the DoD this fall or winter and moving to the mountains. Lots of big changes in the works for my whole family.

There are a lot of things about being a military family that are extremely difficult. The prospect of deploying and fighting in a war that you don't believe in. Having to part ways with people who you have grown to love every few years and starting all over again. Field problems. Long work hours. CQ. Staff Duty. On call. Mandatory "fun". The list goes on and on and on...and for those of you whose lives aren't directly impacted by these things, you won't have a clue as to what I am talking about.

There are also a lot of things that I love about being a military family. Meeting new people and seeing new places and having my kids endure the same. I think that our lives would be a lot less rich if we had just stayed in TGIM's hometown, or mine. Sure, we miss our families...but I think that we would not appreciate them as much if we had to see them every day. Also, for as much as I feel like I could happily live outside of the United States forever and ever, I am still a bit patriotic. I am glad to be an American...I am just not proud of every thing that being American stands for. Clear as mud???

I have certainly done my fair share of complaining over the years. Holiday and birthday celebrations have been ruined due to various duties and details. TGIM almost missed the birth of our last child and then deployed (albeit, only for a month) when he was just 7 days old. I can't even begin to guess how many times he has had to work late, leaving me to deal with dinner, bath and bedtime on my own. It seemed like I had almost daily gripes...but for the most part, they were all petty and trite.

Despite the hardships, I have really loved being an Army wife. I have enjoyed having the opportunity to serve those who so selflessly serve me. I have spent countless hours serving in Family Readiness Groups, doing whatever I could to help make things just a little bit better for our soldiers and for their families. It has been so fulfilling to me...and I am really going to miss that camaraderie.

We have been blessed to land a really good civilian job, here. TGIM will still be working at Landstuhl, in the same shop he has worked in for the past 3 1/2 years. I am sure that will help to smooth our transition. I guess I am just anxious to see how much the personal dynamics of our relationships here are going to change. Maybe not a lot. Maybe not even at all...but I suspect that getting promoted from an E4 to a GS10 is going to change a lot of things. Hopefully all for the best.

Comments

[Lisa]

My hope is that you guys find the perfect fit in every way!

[Tinker]

I did a quick search and found that you're in a gorgeous place! No wonder you're keen to stay. I too hope all is for the best.

[Jess]

Hi, Dawn! The new adventure has begun! I wish you tons of luck for your new life...I'm glad you're still there in Germany...I know you love it! I can't wait to read your blog in the upcoming months to see what life has in store for you guys!