I'm a retired MSgt (USAF) and my wife would tell me that it's always hardest on those left behind. I guess I didn't appreciate that or understand it at the time but I certainly do now.
Here's to our families: http://www.soldierworks.com/untilthen.htm
The company that produced also has put together some other tributes at:
http://www.gcsdistributing.com/

Everyday is like that

It's always hardest to be left behind, even when there is no real danger and a short TDY. Every time you go into the bathroom, his shampoo and toothbrush are missing. Every time you walk through the house you are alone. Every time you go to bed it's empty.

Not that being deployed is a bed of roses, either.

Having kids changes the equation around a bit.

I'm the girlfriend of a deployed member of the Navy. Some days are hard, but many days are good, just knowing that you are supporting someone who is sacrificing so much. Each day gives a greater understanding of what is truly important.

I'm glad CaliValleyGirl had a good ending, but grieve for all those who did not.

Condolences to those who lost a friend, a relative, a husband, a brother, a son. Or a former student.

We in Australia just lost 9 people in a helo crash during a relief operation in Indonesia.

Including a former student of mine, Midshipman (now Lieutenant) Matthew Goodall.

May I say just how much this sucks. The crash in Afghanistan. The crash in Indonesia. That young kids (they'll always be young kids to me, and I'm only 47) should die like this. It's in the nature of the military, I know that in my head. The profession of arms. Those that guard us, in peacetime and in war.

It still sucks.