In Honor of Veterans Day

I thought I would share a few memories from my time serving as a Russian linguist in the United States Air Force in honor of this day.

1989 Boot camp memories:  scared to death, missing home, developed an amazing respect for those who serve (especially in war), really liked my TI (training instructor aka "drill sgt") by the end (much surprise there), felt like I could do anything after it was over

'89-'90 DLI (Defense Language Institute, Monterey, CA):  hot GI's, beautiful scenery (not just the GI's), exploring, biking, learning Russian (from real Russians...some mean, some sweet as sugar), beaches, mountains, Big Sur, Carmel (a story-book town of ornamented cottages and vines); the Poker Run with my Army buddies (Steph, I miss you!); the freaking huge and scary earthquake that cracked walls in our building and took out streets and bridges in San Fran

1990 San Angelo, TX:  top secret training, getting in trouble with my buddy Nate in class (you big butt!), the lovely botanical garden, photographing a wedding (so pretty); driving to see my auntie and unc down in Corpus Christi

'90-'92 Misawa, Japan:  strange but amazing and fascinating; some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen; Rene and I regularly driving to Tokyo with the over-the-speed-limit warning bell chiming the whole way (10 hours!), Derek throwing Rene in a pile of trash in Tokyo, dancing in my BDU's (camoflage) to Bella Lugiosi's Dead while Mish got it on video, the fantastic music stores; Gretchen; undercover in-the-field work for the OSI (kinda like the CIA of the military); Laura and the Goth clan:  Ande, Marty, Nathan, JJ, Jose, Frosty, Danny; The Garage...dancing 'til 5 a.m.; clubbing in Tokyo; some of my favorite people:  Ross, Jimbo, Rich, Mish, Rene (I miss you, girl-ann!), Kim, Gretchen, Shane, Marty.  I'm so glad so many of you are still in my life!

1992 NSA (National Security Agency, Ft. Meade, MD):  the puzzle palace, getting lost several times in the building; Goth/techno clubbing from DC to Baltimore; almost overdosing on Ben & Jerry's and Cadbury Creme Eggs

Life in the millitary wasn't military 24/7.  My fondest memories aren't of my job, but rather the people with whom I served.  We shared events (can't talk about it; top secret...sorry!) and knowledge that bonded us closer together.  Sharing secrets does that, doesn't it?  And from that grew a personal bond and friendship that can't be described in civilian terms. 

To all who have served, still serve, and will serve:  THANK YOU

Without you, we'd all be speaking German, Russian, or Chinese.