9/11... need I say more?

 Today I took a little trip, to a place I was not aware of until earlier this month.  Its the monument for the Fallen during the Global War on Terrorism, here at Fort Riley.  This really only shows you the soldiers that have given the ultimate sacrifice while stationed here. These are people from all over the world.  Though these cut very deep into my soul, it was a small portion of the lives lost these last 10 years.   These are not people that lost their lives in the Trade Centers that day, or the lives of those that tried to save many from the buildings.  This does not show you those that lost their lives fighting this war from any other Army, Marine, Airforce, or Naval base throughout the world, nor does it show you the names of the families behind any of these heroes.  

 It is however, a very peaceful serene location where people can go to pay respect to those that are BIG RED ONE heroes, and will never be forgotten.  What they have given was everything.  They did what many are scared to do, and gave it all for people they didn't know.  The families behind them are forever without so that we may be with.  For that there is no way to say thank you.

 I can tell you where I was when the Trade Centers went down, what I can't tell you is what I thought about it.  I was 14 and I can't say that this is something that seemed to very severe to me.  Now don't take that wrong way, I was aware that there were a LOT of people in there that were more than likely not going to make it out. I just didn't grasp what it ment for this country as a whole. What I didn't know is the severity of the issue, and that what had really happened would be an on going battle.  I could not have told you that 10 years later a would be married to a man that is now over there fighting the war, that started when I was 14.  What I can say is that I do remember how things changed after that. People you never talked to before helped you when you needed it, they said hi when they normally would not, they smiled a little bigger at you, and the whole nation was a little closer.  I can say that I did see the patriotism not just in my community, but through out the country.  In the newspapers, on the tv, and in the local grocery store.  We were, at that time, all one nation!

 In the 10 years since, I don't see that so much anymore.  Seems as though we do forget sometimes.  I know I do.  I forget sometimes while I am to concerned about the little things life.  No obviously I have a pretty good reminder that there is war with my husband being there and all, but I forget sometimes what it's all about.  I forget where it started because I get so focused on the little things in life.  When something doesn't go my way.  When in reality that is all part of a smaller picture.  I feel like some people really don't understand what a military family goes through and they probably never will until they live that life.  I do know that some have really forgotten what it is all about.  It is not about supporting the war.  Some people really don't, and there is nothing wrong with that.  There is a war in place, so that you have the right to state your opinion and I am a supporter of that.  I think it's fair.  However, I hate people that are so terribly mean to people because they are Military and they don't support the war, so therefore do not support the troops.  I understand they may not all have a constant reminder, and there not sleeping with a cell phone and laptop for 12 months.  There kids are not sleeping with "daddy dolls" so it's a little harder to remember.  I think that I would remember all the events and the fact that 9/11happened much more often if there was in fact someone close to me that I lost in the events.  Same thing. Well not the same thing, but the point I am trying to make is.  The truth is, it's not just those that lost their lives from Fort Riley, or within 2011.  Its not just about those that lost lives in the airplanes, or in the trade centers.  It's about something much more.  It's about all of that, and the fact that though may say this nation is still one, it sure does not feel like it did when this event first happened.  I feel like many have forgotten the kind, warm, togetherness feeling we all had.  the feeling that no one could take us down no matter how they tried.  the feeling and sense of being surrounded by heroes.  Because no matter what way you look at it, we still are.  There are heroes still looking down on us, and there are many around us in the community.  There are many over sea for you and there is some next to you.  I really think that we all need to remember that sense of patriotism that we had then and bring that back.. and not just on 9/11 anniversaries, but all the time and all year long.  So as you go about your day, smile a little more, help someone you might not have before, and NEVER EVER forget the BRAVE men and women from 9/11 and those that have come since that day, to make this country a safer place to be!   We are after all... ONE NATION under god .   

POA=Garbage

Alright, I am going to try not to babble on and on and on about this whole thing....but its hard to stay quiet when i am so mad about it. Not just mad but frustrated!
It was my understanding before my husband deployed, that your POA or Power of Attorney was your most sacred posession while he was gone. Thinking on those terms, I figured what else do I need? Yeah, well for all you people out there that think that, don't get slapped in the face as I have been.
When Dave left we both agreed it was way past time for a new car. One that we trusted to take to Minnesota and back. So we gathered up the power of Attorneys and off he went for his 12 month camping trip in the sand.
I went test driving and started to find the things that I liked and didn't like about vehicles... I got the tax money for a down payment.... I was set. You can imagine how shocked I was when I started to talk about financing a car, and they told me they do not accept the POA!!! Are you kidding! "ma'am we are sorry, but we do not take just a POA anymore. We have been burned by too many spouses that bought a car with it and then left the soldier before his return and the soldier was stuck with the payment." Well, alright what else can I do. Some places told me they can send him a contract to sign and then he can send it back. How about NO. He doesn't have outgoing mail. However he does have email from time to time. can you email it? No we like to send it. Back to square on 1 I go....laaaa deee daaa
I have been going in circles for almost 2 months now looking for a place that will work with me in my situation. So DO NOT believe the ones that tell you that they are locally owned and always willing to help...that's if your non-military I guess.
To make a Long frustrating story short, what the hell is a POA good for. Can you really deny it? it's a legal piece of paper! I mean I know it allows me to access his accounts at the bank.... but lets be real here people. We have been married 4 years. I know all his information, and if you don't think I can sound like a man on the phone you have got another thing coming! They don't personally know him, they don't know what he sounds like. So what if I sound silly. They can't pass judgment. So if I can't make purchases with it, and i already have a way to get everything else done, it sure seems like just another piece of paper to me.
I am shocked that people are so quick to turn us down. In this day and age, with the economy the way it is, I would prefer to make a sale to someone I know is going to have a steady paycheck for the next 3 years.... vs BOB who has a good job now, but who knows what his employment status will be when the ecomony takes another turn. Come on people what the hell happened to supporting your troops. The last thing my soldier wants to hear is that there is no one willing to help is family while he defends the country that is free! Come on people! Help a person out.
So here is to hoping that I find that one person that has a big heart and is not just in it to make a quick dollar. That one random person you run into from time to time that knows what you must be going through and is willing to help you. If not for the soldier, and not for his spouse, how about for their kids that want so bad to go back home for a little while and see family!

When family comes to your house

I know for those that have had company while in the military, you know what a big deal this is. Its not your family coming for the day to hang out. They are coming for at least a week. They want to see all of post, and do all those fun things that you have found since you have been here. They want to shop and see things that they have most likely never seen before. For some this may be lame since you have all already seen it before. To me though, it brought me back to when we first got here and when I first learned my way around post and the surrounding areas. It was so much FUN. There have been many things that I have looked forward to since we have been here. Concerts, days out, the park, coffees, cookie exchanges, unit and company BBQs, Birthday parties etc.... But i think the thing I anticipate the most is when family comes to visit. There is nothing sweeter. You start to look and them and think about how wonderful they are to have taken time out to come and see you. How much you must really mean to them. Even if they save up a whole year and can only come a week, I am not sure that you ever know what a great feeling that is, until you go through it.

All the cleaning and preparing is nothing when you think about how much fun you are going to have, and how important you are to someone. Aside from that, we know not everyone can come and see us. Many do keep up with phone calls and facebook. We understand, but I want you to know that if you have family in the military that you are very close to and you are missing so much..... SEE THEM i know the economy sucks and money is tight, but its really not to bad if you are at least in driving distance. You never know when they will be stationed somewhere farther and much harder to get to.

There is more that i want to add as well. When my family came down last week, something else i learned was from the wonderful lady that accompanied my aunt here. So for Betsy whom is a close friend to our family, I thank you. Not just for coming and seeing us, but for always checking on us, for taking time out of your life and away from your husband to come. For leaving your house and animals to come and see mine. For driving and volunteering your vehicle to come here. for making this trip possible for my aunt. And most of all for loving and caring enough to do what you did for all us. So from all of us, we thank you!