How?

A few weeks ago I heard the devastating news that 6 soldiers from our former unit, 2-327 Infantry Regiment "NO SLACK", had been killed in an intense fire fight in Afghanistan.  These soldiers were literally weeks away from returning home to their family and friends after an incredibly difficult deployment.  The friend who shared the news closed her message with, "Remind me again why, or really how, we continue through this way of life".  She knows the answer well but it was one of those dark days we all have when it's all just too much to bear.  So, my friend, here is my gentle reminder of "how".

How?  How do you do it?  If I had a quarter for every time I have heard this... 

The simple answer for us is it's a part of who we are as a family. 

We live this way of life knowing we are ultimately helping to bring peace to the world.  I guarantee you that no other family prays for peace more passionately than a military family.  However, I do believe that sometimes war IS the answer and that is okay with me.

We do it with the grace of God and with a belief in putting other American families before our own. 

We do it because we know we are giving our children a better understanding of selfless service, of what it means to respect our nation and our flag, and for the beauty that comes from being a part of something much bigger than oneself. 

We do it because every once in a while we get the opportunity to be a part of an organization like "No Slack", where the Soldiers are family and the unit is home.

We do it with the support of the Soldiers and Families who walk beside us.  We lean in hard when times are unbearable and the load we carry is much too heavy.  The unspoken understanding of what it means to live this life, to bravely send your loved one to war, and to hold it all together while he is gone turns new friends into family almost overnight. 

We do it by looking to leaders who hopefully provide an example, inspiration, integrity, and mentorship. 

We do it because of an heartfelt obligation to those who came before us--to honor their service, their commitment,  and their incredible sacrifice. 

Really, we do it the same way other American families do it.  With hard work, determination, humor, sweat, and tears.  We aren't special but the mission sure is.

More than anything, we live this way of life because we were chosen to.  I know without a doubt that Tony was made for this work.  I am equally certain that I was chosen to be his wife and that this is the life we were meant to live. 

We feel fortunate to be an Army Family.  We don't want sympathy or pats on the back.  We want you to pay it forward.  To find what it is you can do to leave this world better than you found it.  Be aware of what is happening in the world around you.  When you hear of service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice, remember their names .  Pray for their families.  Tell your children about them.  Honor them.   Remember that behind that name and picture may be someone's son, husband, and father.  And they just laid down their life for us.  For you and me.  Can you even imagine? 

U.S. Army Specialist Brit B. Jacobs, a combat medic from Sarasota, FL, Task Force No Slack, 101st Airborne Division, gives a farewell kiss to the helmet of one of his fallen comrades during a memorial service for six fallen U.S. Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Joyce.  (Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Mark Burrell, Task Force Bastogne Public Affairs)

Rest in peace, SFC Arrechaga, SSG Adamski, SSG Burgess, SPC Feldhaus, SPC Lindskog, and PFC Faulkner.

NFS!