A Weekend Filled With “Last’s”
Our unit was given three months off after our deployment to Iraq and tomorow will be our first muster since our return in October. It’s a drill weekend. Two words that every National Guardsmember hates. Two words that mean mind numbing boredom and irritations that I can’t possibly describe.
This weekend is different for me than all the other’s though. It’s my last. The end of my obligation. The big, “Sayonara!”.
This will be the last time I tie my boots or wear my beret. I’ll never again have to show my ID at the gate. I don’t have to pay attention when someone yells, “At Ease!”. And I’ll never have to worry about getting a phone call alerting me to another deployment.
On the other hand, this is also the last time I’ll see everyone together again as a unit. Sure, there may be a reunion or two in the future… but what are the odds that everyone will be there?
I’m sorry to say that it isn’t enough reason for me to stay. I’m gonna walk away from it all with a straight back, shining eyes, and grin on my face. My contract is done. No more extensions. I love you all but it’s time to cut the puppet strings.
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this day has been a long time comming, lady. The lives we have lived up until this point are made up of moments like this. Its important to walk away with your head high and that smile on your face. let the military create new momories for someone else i say. tuck your photos in an album and your uniform in the closet and one day you’ll forget most of the bad days and tell stories of the good. carry on!
Simone Rubin on 
Keith on 
Totally a bittersweet moment. They gave me an AAM on my last drill. I think it was a last ditch attempt to get me to re-up. Different for you, though. Ya’ll served together. Kinda like a disfunctional family, that once you turn 18 you’re out the door, happy about, but still kinda sad. I still have my boots in my closet. Still polished and covered with dust.