The Hard Part

For people that haven't experienced military life, they probably wonder what aspect of the lifestyle is most difficult. Is it the training? The physical exertion and forced exercise regimen? Is it the long hours? Is it the very real possibility that your job could lead to a premature death?

In my personal experience, the most difficult thing is the separation from your family. From the moment Katie and I started our life together we've had long periods where we were separated by time and distance. The first five months of our marriage were apart as I continued with flight training and she finished school. Since that point in time we have routinely spent 2, 4, 8, 12 weeks apart. That just became a normal part of our life together. We hated the time away, but loved the reunions!

In 2005-2006 our family experienced the worst separation when I deployed with the 101st Airborne to Iraq. It was our longest time apart and the anxiety of not knowing how that long period of separation would feel brought the most concern to me. It definitely was not fun, but we survived. We're blessed because many military family relationships don't.

My boys are away right now visiting friends and relatives for the month. I won't see them for about four weeks. It stinks because I'm here--and in a few short months I won't be. I'll be deploying again. Back to Iraq. Again with the long year of separation bridged by email and 10-minute phone calls when you can get them.

I don't mind the hard training, the long work hours, the exhausting PT, or even the thought of sacrificing my life for the country I love...but I really don't like being without my beautiful family.