Deployment Stories

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"Normality is a paved road. It's comfortable but no flowers grow on it."

I Shuffle for the Caregivers of Wounded Warriors

Last month I ran – well, sort of ran – a virtual 5K.  It was the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Carry Forward 5K, delivered by CSX. I ran in honor of caregivers, those heroes who care for our wounded servicemen and women. A caregiver’s quiet contributions to our society and our country are too often overlooked. Fortunately, Wounded Warrior Project provides

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My Fairy-Tale Life

I began referring to my fairy-tale life back in 2011. I adopted the expression while my husband was in Afghanistan for twelve months. It was a rough deployment. Many Soldiers have experienced longer and more difficult combat deployments, I know, but this one was our first. Soldiers died. Families mourned. I often wondered whether or not my own Soldier would make it

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PTSD, as Told by a Veteran and a Military Spouse

My name is Annette, and I am the mother of two teenagers. I am also a military spouse of over 20 years and a Retired Army Combat Veteran. What some may not know is that I also suffer from PTSD, anxiety, and depression. I’ve been living with this since 2009. Some days are better than others. Some days I want

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Dating My Spouse Has Saved Our Marriage

Two days before my wedding day, terrorists hijacked airplanes and attacked the United States. It was September 11th, and my father was on a flight from Washington DC, heading to our wedding destination. I didn’t know if he was safe or even alive. Suddenly, a time that should have been exciting and joyful became scary, tragic, and emotionally draining. Thankfully

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Why I View Our Separations As A Gift

Number five, CHECK! Though still many weeks away, I can’t escape the quiet excitement at the thought of wrapping up another deployment. This weekend, I found myself thinking that as much as I don’t enjoy being without my husband for nine months, I can’t help but be grateful for a few blessings these months have given me. Yep, you read

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My First Friend In My Military Community

My first Army friend! She was everything I needed. A successful professional, a mom, a confident force who didn’t take any shit. She’d built her own life alongside her Soldier’s. In true Grey’s Anatomy and Meredith Grey fashion, this was MY person or at least I hoped she would be. Our one year dating anniversary was just around the corner!

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Pride & Grit is a Trademark of Hinshaw Consulting Group, Inc 2018© and Pride & Grit Consulting, LLC. 2022© All rights reserved.

Pride & Grit is a Trademark of Hinshaw Consulting Group, Inc 2018© and Pride & Grit Consulting, LLC. 2022© All rights reserved.