Lucky 13

So, here we are… A freshly redeployed soldier, a graduated senior, and a spouse who finds herself reluctant to leave an amazing job and incredible neighbors. We sold the house and are about to embark on a shaky PCS across the country during the great Pandemic, and by the way, it’s move number 13.

Lucky 13…What could possibly go wrong?

As I try not to stress out over the logistics of this particular move, I decided to retrain my brain by reflecting on our past 12 moves and the lessons and blessings each one of those moves gave to us.

1. Camp Garry Owen, South Korea, with 4-7 CAV also known as “The Dude Ranch” (1997)

I was newly married and followed my soldier to his “unaccompanied” assignment.

THE LESSON: I learned that it is much easier to be on orders for a duty station than just “showing up.” Learning about Army tradition through an all-male lens had a huge impact on my perspective, and I would not trade it for anything.

THE BLESSING: Friendships formed in remote places have a forever place in our hearts.

2. Fort Knox, KY, when it was still Armor (1998)

THE LESSON: I learned the art of sponge painting white walls (cringe), and I went to my first (and thankfully, last) white glove coffee. It gave me insight as to what spouses really need from each other; unconditional support.

THE BLESSING: I was blessed with the best job and co-workers at Meade County High School. The impact from my time there shaped me as an educator.

3. Fort Huachuca, AZ, last station before GWOT (2000)

THE LESSON: Here I learned the term “Geo-Baching” for the first time as I left my soldier after a few months to return to my amazing job in Kentucky while he finished training.

THE BLESSING: Again, new and amazing friends; but most of all, I was blessed by my soldier’s support of my career. We were ahead of our time!

4. Darmstadt, Germany (Overseas Part I, 2001)

Our first overseas assignment.

THE LESSON: The old way of Army life disappeared as deployments, extensions, and more deployments became our new normal. I also learned that the term “Battle Buddy” applied to spouses as well. I made some good ones, and they are still my “Battles” 20 years later.

THE BLESSING: Again, I was blessed to have a soldier who never resented those postcards sent to Afghanistan and Iraq that said, “Missing you from Greece” or “Missing you from Rome.”

5. Washington, D.C., (Part I, 2006)

Off to the first “unsexy” staff job at the Pentagon.

THE LESSON: Living in Northern Virginia can be exhausting and expensive. It is important to remember to keep focused on what is important to you.

THE BLESSING: The family we created there with Emily and Lizzy.

6. Fort Hood, TX (Part I, 2008)

THE LESSON: It was here that the war took a personal turn for us. The lesson learned is that community is so very important, especially military community. We also came to see that tomorrow is never promised. Life is a gift.

THE BLESSING: There is nothing like being near family, and most of my family lives in the Great Lone Star State. Our kids got to know their cousins quite well, and that was amazing!

7. Fort Leavenworth, KS (2010)

Being stationed here was like going back in time!

THE LESSON: When you hear the phrase, “The best year of your life,” it raises expectations, but a schoolhouse situation is really a great time to build family relations. The deployments take a toll; uninterrupted family time is needed.

THE BLESSING: Everything that comes with additional family time is a blessing! Bike rides and BBQs. Reunions and new friendships.

8. Fort Bragg, NC (2011)

THE LESSON: Everyone should be stationed here at least once. The OPTEMPO here needs to be experienced. The Fort Bragg community is like no other.

THE BLESSING: Adding more amazing people to our Army family.

9. Wiesbaden, Germany (Germany Part II, 2013)

THE LESSON: Nothing is ever quite the same the second time around, but it was still good in Germany. I also learned that there is never a perfect time to go back to work. It’s important to embrace those opportunities.

THE BLESSING: TRAVEL, TRAVEL, and MORE TRAVEL! And once again, ,ore Army family added to our tribe.

10. Washington, D.C., (Part II, 2015)

THE LESSON: This was my valley. I learned that life is messy and we all need grace and mercy. I am sure everyone had that one duty station that rocked them to their core. I learned that even the strong ones need help and sometimes, we have to be ready to help without being asked.

THE BLESSING: TRICARE! Yes, I know TRICARE gets a bad rap, but we would not have come out on the other side without it. Yes, it can be a finicky, difficult system, and we don’t always get what we think we deserve. But, when our backs were against the wall, the case managers at TRICARE fought along side us, and I will always be grateful.

11. Carlisle, PA (2017)

THE LESSON: This was a retirement preview, and I may be more scared than excited about it! I learned that even soldiers can finally power down and learn like the rest of the civilians. I loved seeing all these warriors take a knee and enjoy a slower pace. I also learned that the Military Spouse Talent Pool could run a small country.

THE BLESSING: Again, adding even more amazing people to our Army Family.

12. Fort Hood, TX (Part II, 2018)

And they say you can never go home again!

THE LESSON: Fort Hood had not changed much in 10 years. We hit the ground running on another deployment, and it was like going back in time. I learned that even though the players had changed, the game was still the same.

THE BLESSING: Once again, it was great to be close to family, and during COVID-19 lockdown, I was able to support and be supported by my civilian neighbors. They have also taken their place in my forever family!

13. ???????????  Lucky 13 is on deck!

Stay tuned…

If you are still with me, I thank you, patient reader! After reflecting, I realize that the big overall lesson is this…

Military life is really just ordinary life filled with extraordinary blessings and relationships.

Best of luck to all of you braving the big PCS this summer.

What are some of your  greatest lessons and blessings? Leave them in the comments!