So very sorry to hear this wonderful and memorable TB is MIA.
But just so I can share the rest of my story, I'll add this log.
My son had just entered Basic training at Ft. Benning, GA, followed by Airborne training immediately after.
He graduated and did very well throughout. He began Ranger training, but developed massive blisters on his feet after several days of intense workouts. He worked through that pain, but the trainers noticed that he was not running at the front of the pack and pulled him out to see what was going on. On a health inspection, they noticed his feet and pulled him from the program. Initially, we were disappointed for him, but it turned out to be a very good thing.
He received orders for Ft. Carson in Colorado Springs, and spent the remainder of his Army career stationed there between deployments. It was the best possible place for him to be placed.
His first deployment was for a year in Afghanistan. Mid way through that year he had a 2 week leave, during which he married the love of his life. The best story of that was that without guaranteed dates of his arrival at home, we had 2 wedding dates and lots of us in total panic with guests due to arrive from various places around the country to his home in Michigan. Thankfully, all went well, he made it home in record time and it was the most beautiful wedding many had ever seen. They had a whirlwind couple of days together. And then he was gone for another 6 months.
On the unit's return to Ft. Carson and the most tearful and amazing ceremonies of all time, we all drove across the country, hauling my truck and a trailer and a gazillion "set up their first home" paraphernalia to the chosen apartment.
I was fortunate enough to spend nearly 2 weeks helping them out.
Upon his return, he decided to try out for sniper of his brigade. Of over 3000 soldiers, he was one of only 9 snipers. And he loved it. Just before shipping out to Kuwait they went to a base in California, a place where they do drills and practice runs before deploying. His small sniper unit became famous for being the first ever (per the base Commanding Officer) to discover and disable the plan for the drill set to begin the next day. Because they were so skilled at what they accomplished that day, they had to completely replan out the entire scenario. They received medals of honor (I'm lacking in knowing the name of the exact medal) for their intelligent work and teamwork.
Can you tell I'm a proud mom?
They had a fantastic life there and loved Colorado.
He spent 6 months in Kuwait last year and was discharged in June of 2014. He is on the Reserve list, but doesn't believe that he will be called back...and we all hope that is that case. We want him back with all of us here in Michigan.
They stayed in Colorado for a year to enjoy it fully. He had a full time job 19 hours after his discharge.
They are moving back to Michigan this summer and we are looking forward to their return.
I'm a proud Army mom, a proud American and pray daily for our troops serving both here and abroad.
And I count my blessings that my soldier has passed through this long almost 5 years relatively unscathed. Humor intact and a grown and mature man.
Hooah!
Respectfully,
Nurse Nanna