Army

I am visiting a family member who is deploying in August in Texas. It is not as hot here as it is at home. That in and of itself is a bit disconcerting. I was the only one in a cowboy hat on the plane from LA also, which surprised me. I wasn't about to check it through although I did bite the bullet for security and checked the boots and wore sandals.
I am exhausted but enjoying this look into a military base.
My dad was regular army, which is what my niece is in also. So it's interesting to get a glimpse of the base and listen to her and other NCO's and soliders talk. I'm actually picking up some of the lingo. By the time I was old enough to listen to my dad's stories, really listen to the uncensored adult version, my dad was starting into the Alzheimer's.
It's also scary to listen to their stories from the war, true stories, not censored fit for the news stories.
It makes me appreciate the true courage these young men and women have. It makes me worry that these men and women won't make it home the next time. It makes me proud of being an American. Seeing America through there eyes makes me realize how much we take for granted and how lucky we are.
The army men and women make friends fast and they play hard. I think it is because of how close many of these men and women have been to mortality. It isn't a matter of if a friend will die but when and every single NCO or specialist I have met on this trip has lost a friend. They work hard on deployments so they play harder at home to make up for what they missed and what they are going to miss.
No matter your views of this war. No matter your views of the administration. Please, please remember to thank a soldier for the service he or she is preforming for this country.