Veteran's Day

On this Veteran’s Day, I am finding myself overwhelmed with emotions. Gratitude to all those who have ever served, sorrow for those who gave their life while serving, and finally, jealousy toward all of my friends still serving. After my fight with cancer, there was nothing my coworkers wouldn’t have done to fight to keep me in the Air Force. But because I have so much pride, there was not one person who ever knew just how hard it was for me to get up every morning and put that uniform on. That it took me two hours every morning to go thru the simple process of waking up, showering, dressing and driving the short 15 minute drive to work. I was so proud to wear that uniform, both on and off base. Proud to be among such an amazing group of people. Proud to be serving my country.

But I knew, even after such a short struggle with Fibromyalgia, that there was no way I could fully fulfill my duties as an Airman. There was no way I could ever again pass my yearly physical fitness test. No way I could do my job as a Videographer-Broadcaster-a job I had convinced myself I could not stand because I was no longer able to do it. No way I could even complete the 6 week Airman Leadership School that was the next step in my career.

And so I let go. I fought for my Medical Discharge, and gave up a lifestyle that I valued and loved above anything else I had known up to that point. 5 years, 1 month, and 28 days I wore that uniform. And I would gladly have done so for as many more days as they would have let me. No one I worked with, served with, knew just how deeply I loved what I did, because it hurt too much to admit that I could no longer do it. There is not one day that has gone by that I don't miss it.


So this Veteran’s Day, thank everyone you know who is still able to serve, but more than that, thank all of those who are no longer able to do so.