Nonie Weikum Memorial Scholarship

I got married to the love of my life in 2021. The date was January 3rd and I will cherish that day forever. My husband has always had the goal to be in the Air Force just like his father, and I knew this day was coming but I had no idea the challenges it would bring me. He went off to basic training that April. I would be foolish to say that it was hard being a new wife and him almost immediately leaving knowing what I know now. He returned home in August of that year and the life I had known before was about to completely change. We packed up the moving truck, stuffed our car full and headed halfway across the country to our new home. I'd never experienced life like this before. He's what people call a "military brat", so he had seen and lived this life before. I on the other hand, had no idea what it was like packing up everything and leaving the only home I'd ever known. We're in Virginia now, and it's so beautiful. My favorite part about this place is the ocean and watching the sunsets above the water. I've never even lived this close to water like this, I'm from Arkansas where the only water we know is man-made lakes. The skies are certainly are pretty here, but boy are they lonely. The first piece of advise I received when friends and family back home found out about our new adventure was "Be careful around those military wives, they sure are feisty!" Sure, that may be true but is that the advise that another military wife needs to hear? Or they warn you about deployment, which I'm sure is probably the most gut-wrenching experience in the world but we haven't had to go through that just yet. What they don't warn you about is the pain that you feel no matter what. I've transitioned into my new life here, and I've tried to adapt in every way that I can. I'm trying to make friends which almost seems impossible right now, but I'm hoping the time will come. The pain that I'm feeling stems from the loneliness. I have a great support system within my husband, he loves me and holds me when times get rough. Although, sometimes one person can't be everything for you. I often find myself longing for a friend, or my mom and dad, comfort from home that would make me feel just a little bit better. In this life though, you are both forced to do it on your own. You have to hold each other and hope that the storm passes soon because if you do 20 years, this pain just might take up half of your life. Don't get me wrong, this experience has been amazing so far and I can't wait for all the memories we will make in countless new places. This experience has even encouraged me to commission as an officer once I complete my degree. Although, it doesn't mean that it isn't one of the hardest experiences in the world, because it is. But I'll make it through. I love this life and I love my husband, and this is what we both wanted for our future. I just have to take it day by day, and know that there are many other military wives around the world feeling the same loneliness that I do.