It has been almost 2 whole years since Corky has been home, 3 years since he left for his deployment in Iraq. This week has brought some memories flooding back that make it seem like yesterday. A unit that is in Corky's battalion is leaving tonight, they are loading the buses at 12:50am to be exact. These are some of our friends and many of them, Corky works closely with on a daily basis. I worry for them, pray for them, and hope that all the soldiers and families can find some type of comfort tonight.

Let me tell you why, other than knowing what they are going through, it has been emotional for me and Corky. Less than a year ago, Corky had a job presented to him that he knew he was a qualified candidate for. He would have taken command of the 557th Maintenance Company. For whatever reason, he didn't get the job that he was hoping for. Mainly he was hoping for it because it would have looked excellent on a resume. Anyway, he was a little disappointed but no big deal. Within weeks of the other guy taking command of this unit there were rumors that they would be deploying again. (they deployed December of 2004-November 2005) After a few weeks of rumors it turned into reality. Originally they were slotted to leave in June of this year but because of the new 15 months deployments, they were postponed to this month. Needless to say, Corky and I have felt extremely blessed that he didn't get the command position because it would have been him boarding that bus tonight. Not to say that he wouldn't do it and that I wouldn't support him, because I most certainly would, but it is not something that I would choose to relive.

As we were eating dinner, Corky was telling me that he thinks he will have a hard time keeping it together in front of the unit. Tonight I couldn't help but start to cry, when he said that he will be the one at the microphone having to say "15 minutes until bus-boarding, please say your farewells to your families and friends." We both know how hard it is going to be for these families and I guess the best that we can do for them, our friends, is to love, support, and carry whatever burdens we can for them during this tough time.

I feel extremely grateful for my husband and my family and I am grateful that Heavenly Father is blessing us to be together at this time. I also know that soldiers and their families that are apart are also being watched out for. I have been there and I have felt the comfort that is given during those times that seem intolerable. I am feeling extremely proud to be an American and I am grateful and proud to know such brave men and women.

This was the night that Corky left. November 26th, 2004

November 19th, 2005. Corky returned home safely from his deployment. Though there were many hazards faced by his company, miraculously no fatalities occurred among them. They all retuned safely home to their families.