“I will always maintain my arms, my equipment, and myself…” may be part of the Soldier’s Creed, and yet the most stigmatized part of a Service Member’s career. There has been a significant shift in the attitude towards mental health over the last 5-10 years. It is moving in the right direction, as the past two decades have seen positive reinforcement of leaders advocating for the mental health of their subordinates. Personally, I had advocated for Soldiers that had experienced substance abuse, domestic abuse, and other physical/mental issues while I was a Company Commander. We had the resource with our Medical Support unit to have a Service Dog (LTC Wrigley…yes a Lieutenant Colonel rank for the pup!). LTC Wrigley was able to reduce anxiety, and stressors with some of my Soldiers during a variety of trainings and operations that we had executed. Soldiers were able to decompress from the 12 hour days, and they were not allowed to be bothered by anyone in the Chain of Command while they were receiving support from LTC Wrigley. As a Commander, it was clear that a Service Dog was a force multiplier when it comes to addressing mental health, in a way of reducing stress and anxiety. Separately, it also allowed the Soldiers to be more open and receptive to discuss issues, or concerns, when I would schedule a bi-monthly behavioral health therapist to be available during specific day.

A thousand miles away, but she was the first, and last, one I’d see, every day. Selfless service is a unique concept, where you place others before yourself. So much has transpired over the nine years in the Army: three moves, two babies, and being away for: half of a pregnancy, an anniversary, holidays, and other important milestones. Those were the sacrifices made, of which none were known at the time of signing the enlistment contract at the Boston Military Entrance Processing Station. And yet, my wife would always know she was the first, and last person I’d see each day. Her photo, laying in the top drawer, underneath pristine folded socks at Ft. Leonardwood; Her photo, framed sitting on my night stand at Ft. Lee; Her photo, slid in the button pocket of an olive drab A-bag… Every night away was a small bruise to the heart. Nights I cannot get back. Days I cannot recreate. A selfless service that one person had knowingly signed for, but two people had to live. Even though we’d be a thousand miles away, she was the first, and last, one that I’d see each day.

“Have you earned your tomorrow?” by Edgar Albert Guest, resonates to my core. The preface of the poem is based on: kindness, respect, and being appreciative of the things in your life. This essay, whether it is selected or not, is going to be an opportunity for me to START my morning off reflecting on what I WILL be thankful for, so I know by the end of the day that I had earned my tomorrow. From morning cuddles with my wife, to the sound of “Good morning daddy!” from my girls, to the virtual meetings with my office team, I appreciate relationships that have been fostered on kindness and respect. Later today I’ll receive my booster to make my family safer, which will mean one step closer to a happy family Christmas party (finally)! When my girls arrive home from school, I’ll listen about their day. After a quick snack, we head outside for some time to play before it gets too dark. Then, at dinner time after we say “Grace,” we each take a moment to reflect on what we are thankful for in the day. I know that writing this essay is what I will mention, because I played out the day in my mind, and already I am happy and thankful!