Demobilization

Adam's parents and I attended a six-hour meeting Sunday about demobilization. Officially, the return date is between April and June, but I received information otherwise that they will leave Iraq early April.

The first stop is Fort Lewis, Wash., where they will fill out demobilization papers, prepare for return to society, etc. That is expected to last about five days. Family and friends are highly encouraged NOT to go to Fort Lewis because it is unlikely the guys will get a pass, even on the weekend. Adam is not happy about this news. He thought there would be time for us to visit while he's there.

After that, they will travel back to Oregon, where there will be a demobilization ceremony. They will still be on orders but on leave, unless they choose to cash in their remaining leave time. (Adam intends to take the leave and get paid an extra two weeks.) From there on, deployment is officially over.

The closer it gets, the harder it becomes. I am getting antsy. I was fine through most of the deployment, but lately I am sadder, missing him more. At the same time, I cannot believe he will be home so soon, and I wonder where the time went.

On another note, Adam said the last day to send anything is March 1. That is an estimate, but it is a safe deadline to ensure he receives the item.

Thank you again for everyone's support. This journey is almost over.

Happy birthday, Adam!

My favorite soldier and boyfriend (haha, that implies I have more than one) turns 28 today. To celebrate, Patricia and I plan to go to dinner. Don't worry, we'll make it up to him when he gets home. :)

I completely lost it over a TV show

Last night, I watched an episode of "Cold Case" in which a soldier was murdered two days before his deployment to Iraq. It's not real, yet I started crying. It had nothing to do with his murder. It had to do with his pure love for the Army, for the young people he was recruiting.

He was injured during a tour in Afghanistan, so he came home and was assigned to be a recruiter. He took it seriously, but the war weighed on him. A comrade died after they were both shot, and he blamed himself because he tried to save him and couldn't. He felt guilt for surviving. His wife tried desperately to understand that he wasn't the same person anymore.

I don't know why it took a fictitious TV show for me to break down. I'm not worried that Adam will be a completely different person, but I know he has changed. I wonder what goes through his mind, and I'll never know. No matter how much combat one sees, war changes a person.

I can't pinpoint what part of the episode affected me most, only that all of the topics discussed hit home.

Three more months

Seriously, can you believe it? Adam told me he is estimated to leave Iraq mid-April. He won't be completely done because there will still be a demobilization process, but he should be stateside no later than late April.

Family and friends, get ready for the reunion party. ;)

Taking on more responsibilities

Adam successfully commanded his first mission. For the most part, he said, he was calm and easygoing. There were times when he had to get tough to get some guys in line, but he said no one complained about his performance as a leader. Responsibilities such as this will prepare him to cover for Nate as squad leader when Nate goes on leave. Adam enjoyed leading the mission but said it put more pressure and stress on him because any problem was on him to fix.

I am proud of him for doing this because I know of his capabilities as a leader. At 27 -- 28 in two weeks! -- he has been in the military for 10 years. Oddly, this is his first deployment, and I'm not sure how he got away with not deploying for so long. But for a relatively young person, he has had a lot of training, so I'm glad he is getting to challenge himself and put his skills to good use.

Good job, baby! :)