October 27th marks 5 years that hubs has been enlisted in the US Army. It's been a long journey that's taken us through 2 duty stations and 2 deployments. His enlistment would have been up had we not re-enlisted in March of 2009 at the end of this month. I know he doesn't want the Army to be his life, he has so much potential and is a really smart guy (not that people that are lifers aren't smart). He doesn't want the Army to define him. If we had gotten out now, we'd be screwed. I am still working on my degree and with the economy the way it is, we'd be lucky to find jobs that provided benefits. I know it was the right choice for us. Despite having to go on another deployment, we've used this bittersweet time to pay off a lot of our debt and get on better financial standings. We'll have a fresh start and a way to put away money for when we do get out in 2013.
Yes, we are getting out. And yes, I am supportive of that decision. I know that Matt would never let us go without the necessities and I've seen him go above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable. He took on a second job when we found out I was pregnant. A second job while still working the 60+ hours the Army required of him. It was tough having him gone all the time and put a strain on our relationship but I knew the reasons he was busting his ass was for Shane and I. The only way I know how to repay him for his sacrifices is to finish my degree as quickly as I can so that he can take it easy and go to school when he gets out and pursue his dreams.
While he is in though, he wants to accomplish as much as possible. He is looking to go to Ranger school and get his Ranger tab as well as go back to Airborne school (he injured himself last time) and he'll be going to Air Assault when he gets back from Afghanistan. He also wants to try for pathfinder which is right at Fort Campbell. I am 100% supportive of everything he wants to accomplish. But that does not mean I want him to stay in. I know he'll have temptations to re-enlist once he gets all gung-ho about some schools, but I'm going to have to bring him back to reality and not let him give up on his other dreams too.
I could not be prouder of what he has accomplished in the last 5 years, both in the Army and out. I am proud of our little family and that we are standing on our own two feet and doing what we need to do.
“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”
Amen, and I totally agree. This is exactly why we're getting out. We've used it as a tool to prepare us for the world. Our guys have worked their asses off and deserve to get out with their heads held high and all the respect in the world. Especially Matt with his two deployments, being in the thick of it and fighting the fight. Your man has earned it! I'm excited and scared for us to get out too, but I know we've done what we needed to, to be able to get out and be successful. Jimmy is slotted to go to Ranger school after he gets back from ALC in February, but I'm hoping we can squeeze Disneyland in for Lexi's birthday before he takes off. Anyways, I LOVED this. You & I think so much alike <3
ReplyDeleteI told Matt at least a few months before Ranger school. I want him to be home for his birthday and Shane's birthday. He hasn't been home for his birthday since he joined the Army and I am DYING to throw him another birthday party.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, GREAT minds think alike <3