My daughter, Jeana, left for her second deployment in July 2009. She is still in Iraq today. She did manage to come home on leave long enough this summer to get married, but then had to head right back after only two weeks. We don't expect her to come home until sometime next year (she is doing two back-to-back year long tours).
Jeana talked about joining the military for a long time. It wasn't too surprising considering her dad was career Air Force. In high school, she was even the wing commander of her AFJROTC unit. I had always assumed she would become an Air Force officer, but instead she enlisted in the Army Reserves while she was still in high school. That was such a tough decision since the war started the month we finally signed the paperwork (I had to sign too since she wasn't 18 yet). I was pleased though when she decided to go on to college and not go full-time active duty. She had to take some time away from school for training and drills, followed by her first deployment in 2005/2006 for which she was awarded a Bronze Star, but she came back and finished. She graduated from college in 2009 (triple major), then headed back to Iraq two months later. She was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal for the first part of this current tour. I think she is pretty amazing, and I am so proud of her.
Jeana doing the typical soldier photo op.
G.I. Jeana
The day she re-enlisted on top of Saddam Hussein's Victory over America palace in Baghdad.
We all miss her so much, especially with the holidays coming. I can't wait until I know that she is back in the States, safe and sound. Maybe then I will finally stop jumping every time someone knocks on my door. Hopefully, I won't have to wait too long.
Anyway, to Jeana and all the other veterans out there...
THANK YOU.
Note~ I don't want to ignore the other veterans in my life:
My dad ~ USAF 1952 - 1956
Bruce ~ USAF 1980 - 1998 (Became terminally ill on active duty, medically retired the day before his death)
My son-in-law ~ ARMY 2004 - 2008 and USAR current
My brother ~ USAF 1986 - 1998
My sister-in-law ~ USAF retired 1986 - 2006
I'm thinking of you and your daughter and wishing her a safe return! I thank her, as well.
ReplyDeletePlease tell her "Thank You" from a blog reader.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful salute to Jeana, a very special young lady, who has already achieved so much for her years, but that is not a surprise considering her childhood. I would like to salute you, my daughter, who took her family from country to country, state to state in support of her husband, Bruce, who choose to serve his country. In addition, I would like to thank all those families, like yours, who are there for their loved ones who are serving.
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