I had mostly grown used to Dustin’s here-this-week/deployed-the-next routine, but in 2011, he left for his longest deployment yet: 13 months. Our boys were 4, 9 and 11 years old, and by the time Dustin came back, he had missed seven family birthdays, two Thanksgivings, one Christmas, our anniversary, countless Little League games and our youngest son’s first day of kindergarten.
Read moreThe Changing Dynamics of Military Marriage
Historically, military marriages were a no-brainer. Young men in the service had dependable work and pay at a young age. They were heroic and masculine, and they were naturally bent toward protecting others.This fit well with America’s long held view of women: nurturing, dependent and dedicated to being someone’s supporting cast.
Read moreNew Military Widow's Words for Her Sons
Theresa has a new baby, Hunter, born in July, as well as a 6-year-old son, Anthony. Landon was supposed to be home a month ago, but his deployment was extended due to the situation in Syria. In other words, Theresa’s husband should have been home on Monday with his new son. Instead, he is dead.
Read moreMy Husband Rescues Lawn-Mowing Shoes
When Dustin was on deployment last year, I threw out every pair of “lawn-mowing” shoes I could find in the basement. I took a whole sack to Goodwill and never felt a moment of remorse — until last week. Dustin wanted to work in the yard. He needed shoes. He also wanted to wear flip flops to the lake, and as it turns out, I threw away all of those, too.
Read moreMilitary Love Story
In 1997, Dustin graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and was passing through my hometown in Virginia on his way to flight school in Pensacola. He called, and before he asked me out on a date, asked, "Do you remember me from when we were kids?
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