Military Friends – A Puzzle for Our Civilian Counterparts

Military friends! Sometimes our military lifestyle is a puzzle to our civilian friends and the rest of the nation. We have some opportunities that civilians normally do not receive and we also face challenges and lifestyle issues they may never see. But one thing we have that is “just to die for” is our military friends. We come together from all over the country (and in some cases the world), of all races, ethnic backgrounds, economic and educational levels, different goals and lifestyles and so much more diversity that most Americans ever have the opportunity to experience. 

I have to admit that this is our (my military spouse, mil brats and my) experience but I do believe it reflects the military community as a whole. We made friends at the beginning of an extended career, in the middle and near the end of the road towards military retirement. All were special; each filled a void of not being from here at that installation or we connected in a unique way, whether work related, gym, youth activities, volunteer offices, classes during education efforts or maybe an extended TDY/TAD.

See Photo Credit BelowWe still remain connected with many in some way, through Facebook, twitter, Christmas cards, unit reunions, phone calls or even through each others’ children due to long distances in between. Bridging the active, retired, family member status turned out to be easier than I thought it would be. I laughingly remember commenting to my spouse and kids about the long line of retirees in the commissary with their full carts of food. Then I became the worst possible person to be behind with more than one cart due to the distance to our closest commissary.
More friends!
So this last week we visited the Scott AFB commissary for the holidays. But the real reason we went was to be with military friends. They had remembered us while planning for their “big day”. The event brought in military folks from around the country, active and retired. Some were there as part of the heritage – names like Robertson, Johnson, McNabb and Handy came to mind as we stood at attention for a promotion and change of command.

General Paul and Ricki Selva and Deborah KissingerBut it was more than ceremony… these people were real; they brought their families, their friends and yes, their military friends from years past. We laughed, hugged, remembered special times and toasted our friends’ successful career and their love for each other. Paul and Ricki Selva bring a special blend of intelligence, integrity, hard work, calm during the storm, honor, patriotism and much more to their new job at the US Air Force’s Air Mobility Command (See Article: Gen Paul Selva Takes Command). Congratulations General and Mrs Selva for your promotion and command!

We will keep you in our prayers as you lead and guide the hard working airlifters and tankers of AMC and their families, of course. Thank you for including us in your big day and most importantly for being our friends.

Join Us    Photo Credit: MilitaryAvenue Dale and Deborah with retired Command Chief Master Sergeants Ellison and Maynard and their spouses (Maria and Sally)

Photo Credit: Gen. Paul J. Selva accepts the Air Mobility Command guidon from Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, Chief of staff of the Air Force, during the change of command ceremony at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., Nov. 30, 2012. Selva was previously assigned as the assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington D.C. The outgoing commander, Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr., served 35 years in the Air Force, commanding more than 130,000 Airmen as well as reaching 4,500 flight hours in various aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Ryan Crane) 

Photo Credit:  MilitaryAvenue Maj Gen (Ret) Keye and Carol Sabol and the Kissingers

Photo Credit:  MilitaryAvenue

byColonel KonTuesday, December 04, 2012Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to PinterestMilitary Life:military,Military Brats,military community,military friends,Military Spouse