Happy V E T E R A N S day

I am always reminded of what it really means being a military family when I go up to Landstuhl Hospital- the largest military hospital outside of the United States.

We have a small clinic here on Ramstein, but for specialty care and the ER we go up to the Army base fifteen minutes away.

With a couple appointments and a couple trips to the ER this month, I've spent a little time at Landstuhl.

It's a huge hospital. I've written about it before. I'm writing about it again.

Last week while leaving out the ER exit, the stretchers were lined up outside with medical staff eagerly awaiting the arrival of yet another bus load of wounded warriors. It's not unusual to see them lined up.
It is however difficult every single time being reminded of what is about to arrive straight from the war.

Germany specifically Landstuhl is the first stop for wounded soldiers coming from Iraq and Afghanistan. We see these wounded warriors on a routine basis.

There is nothing like being in the military.

Growing up with a dad who served first in the Army, then in the Air National Guard for years and years and years until he retired- I was exposed to the military. I am grateful for his service. Thanks, dad.

Marrying a man who chose a career in the Air Force, I now have a better understanding of what military service really means.

I am sure there are many who don't understand how important our military is and how hard our veterans work. Until the last few years, I had no idea.

I am sure there are those who might not agree with military members being able to retire after twenty years of service, or think the pay and benefits are possibly too high.

Those same people might also not understand there is no overtime pay in the military. Ever.
As members in the Air Force, the military owns you and can call you to work twenty-four hours a day.

When situations of conflict arise around the world, this happens. It doesn't matter if you have a vacation planned, or time off lined up.
If you are needed, you work.

Deployments are a way of life for many in the military. Due to the jobs that Jim has had- we have not experienced them.

Many families we know are without their husbands and fathers, or wives and mothers for usually a minimum of four months.

Many deployments are a year long. Army deployments are even longer. Those in the military die every single day serving our country.

This week, I taught in a kindergarten class with a little boy with not only his father deployed but his mother deployed as well. He's not the only one. For many, many military children- this is normal.

I don't think there is another job in the world that takes you involuntarily away from your family for months or even a year at a time.

Military members move a lot. Usually every three to four years. I am learning this is not only difficult, but has also been a blessing in our life.

Yes, Jim chose the military life for our family. We are blessed as a family and it has provided well. I hope it has provided our boys with a broader understanding and appreciation for our veterans as well.

It has also given me not only a greater understanding but a whole new appreciation for those who had and those who continue to serve us. Thank you honey, for your service.

Happy Veteran's Day.