My Two Little Veterans

Today is Veteran's day and I want to say how proud I am of Justin and Nicky.  Even though I'm pretty bummed about sending them both back to Iraq again, I am so proud of their service. 

These pictures, taken during their last deployment-



Justin



Nick



...are some of my least favorite pictures. 

Most pictures they sent home were of them posing next to someone or something.  Mostly pretending to hump someone or something.  Then I got these pictures and a different look at what it was like over there for them.  And I honestly missed the humping pictures.  But day to day life in Iraq isn't all posing and pretend humping.  During the summer months in Iraq, Worlds Suckiest Country, it is 115 degrees or hotter and they had to wear 50 pounds of body armour. And there are horrible sand storms.  I realize it sounds crazy to be talking about the weather when there were so many other greater dangers. I'm not making light of their service and sacrifice.  But the greater dangers are too hard to write about.  I tried to.  I kept starting and erasing sentences and crying.  Maybe when the news that they are going again is not so new I will be able to.  But 115 degrees while wearing all that gear would be effing miserable and not something you want your husband and little baby brother to do.  But Justin and Nick didn't complain.  Nick grew a mustache for fun and called to tell me all about how mexican and porn star-ish he looked.  Justin got a pink beanie in a care package from an elementary school and it is difficult to find a picture where he is not wearing it.  They took funny pictures and told me a million funny stories.  More so Nick than Justin with the stories.  It actually sometimes felt like Nick was at a different (funnier) base.  Proving that even though he had gone to war on the other side of the world, he was still in no danger of growing up. 
They made it easier for us at home to get through all 18 months, when they had it far worse.

I'm proud of their uncomplaining endurance. 

I'm so proud of their eagerness to serve. 

I'm proud of the example Justin sets for our son. 

I'm proud Nicky's never ending good nature. 

 I'm so thankful for their strength.
I know that these things will see them through this next deployment as well.

I know, and I will never forget that God brought them safely home to me.  

Both of Justin's grandfathers have served.  When his Grandpa Webb died he had a military burial and Justin and his cousin Zach, who is in the Air Force, were able to do the ceremony and present the flag to their grandma.   It was an awesome experience, I feel lucky that Drew was able to see this great man laid to rest by his grandsons. 



Justin and Zach.



My  gratitude goes out to ALL those serving, past and present.