Words cannot descibe how proud I am

For 21 years the most amazing man I know has served for our country.

In 1989 he entered the United States Marine Corps



In 1997 he was honorably discharged and enlisted in the US Army

In 2005 he was a Military Science Instructor for Boise State University where we met :)

I only got to share the last 6 years of his military career with him. In those 6 years we faced many times apart for training and one deployement.  I wouldn't change that time for anything in the world. Even if we couldn't spend every day together or even talk to each other each day, or eat dinner together every night, or fall asleep in the same bed or even in the same time zone. Those 6 years were some of the toughest but also the best years were I met some amazing people and developed a new respect for military life and know how strong you military wives are out there.

I still remember the day he deployed. I was stuck to his side from the minute we woke up to the minute he had to leave. I am always a cryer. But that day I held back all the tears. I knew I had to be strong for him, for us. And I tried to do this during the deployment too. He already had enough stresses out there. He had to be the strong one out there for his Soldiers, I could be the strong one at home for us.

This is one of the photos from his deployment last year.

I think we are still getting used to the idea of taking our time in life and not rushing to get in vacations or finish to do lists for fear that he may deploy or have to leave for trainings and schools.

Words cannot say how proud I am of him and his accomplishments. I am happy to be able to share that with him. This past weekend when we had his retirement ceremony was definatley more emotional than I had thought. We all shared some tears before and during the ceremony.



Getting ready to head out. I heart him

Gene and our best friend Darren who presided over the ceremony for us



His brother gave a very emotional speech and toast

Presenting him his award from the President of the United States

Presenting him with his flag

I just presented him with his award

His awards and flag

Men in uniform... do I really need to say any more?

I love my 1SG



I know it's difficult to hang up the uniform after 21 plus years, but I'm happy I get to be there every day with you. I'm excited to start this new chapter together.