The life of a soldier girl

So... my niece Rebecca (affectionately called Becca Bug by me, her Aunt and God Mother... I'm allowed!) came home on leave from the Army. She heads back to Kansas today to kick off her "river-crocs" and jump back into her combat boots and stand guard at the gate back at Ft Riley.

In this ridiculously fast-paced world we live in that is plagued with hate, crime, drugs, political correctness to the n'th degree, lawlessness, etc, etc... the fact that Becca Bug stood up and decided to put herself last and chose to do for others makes me so proud of her.

It is not easy being a soldier. It is not easy being a female soldier. It is not easy being a female soldier doing a mostly "male job" (91A- Abrams Tank Mechanic). It is not easy leaving home when you are 18 and heading out into a world of unrest. It is not easy missing the birthdays, holidays and other family gatherings. It is not easy not having your mom and family near you when you just need a hug from the most familiar of people. It is not easy to know that there are other jobs, less demanding than yours, that get paid a WHOLE LOT more than you. All of it... it's not easy.

Then why, why would she do it?

Because. She loves her country and WILL protect you and I. I offer you the ability to be as proud of my Becca Bug as I am.

Soldier on Bec. See you in December (if things stay status quo... but we know how that goes!)!

Becca and Spot... reunited. She's always been a dog lover.

Becca's last night home. Eli doesn't looked too thrilled.

Our Soldier Girl... isn't she beautiful?

My sister (on the right) and all her girls got matching tattoo's during Becca's visit. It reads "thick and thin" :)

I'm sure it was nice for Becca to cut loose a little during her leave.

Back to the gate next week...