Dear brother, as you embark on the start of your military career nearly twenty years after the start of my own I’d like to give you some advice.You are about to embark on one of the greatest adventures of your life, you may end up close to home or find yourself as far away as Germany, Japan or Afghanistan (though I personally hope its not the latter). You will find yourself changed not only in ways you expected but also in ways you never imagined. To succeed in the military takes not only strength, teamwork and perseverance, but also individual drive and patience; all qualities I know you already possess.It will bring out new qualities in you too, and you will emerge a stronger, more confident version of yourself. You have a few more years under your belt than the typical recruit, you bring to the table experience and a level of maturity that will serve you and the Army National Guard well.You will meet some of the best people you will ever know, your shared service and experiences will form the basis of lifelong friendships. You will encounter personalities that don’t exactly mesh with yours; these differences usually seem to rear their ugly head when you’ve been awake for 30 hours and your last nerve is nearly frazzled. But you know what? This is where patience comes in. You deal with it, compromise and hopefully they will too. At that point its not about either of you, its about getting the mission done.Being apart from your family will make your heart ache in a way you didn’t know possible, but this makes you cherish your time together even more.
When you first told me about your plans to join the Army National Guard you asked two things of me. The first was to be there for Magy. I want you to know there was never any question about that. Since the day you asked her to marry you she’s been a cherished part of our family and there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for her. The other thing you asked was for us to take a trip up to Washington DC so you could take in the monuments and reflect about this new chapter in your life.Between my schedule, your schedule and the weather it took us a while but we finally made that trip.
I watched as you paid respect to those who made the ultimate sacrifice at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I watched you as members of the Greatest Generation were honored during a ceremony at the WWII Memorial. I watched you as you drew inspiration from JFK, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington at their respective memorials. No longer seeing you as just my little brother I now see you as the man you are. A loving husband, a thoughtful friend and soon to be a dedicated soldier.During the coming weeks and months I just want you to know I’m proud of who you are and who you will become.
“Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” Nate, you found your answer. As you head off to basic training know that you have all of my love and support.
P.S. Go Navy 😉
Lois Alter Mark says
What a beautiful post. Wishing your brother only the best. Please thank him for his service for me.
Brianna says
Thank you Lois, I’ll pass your kind words along!
Travelwith2ofus says
Really touching send off for your brother. To be of service to your fellow man is the greatest service of all. Good luck bro!
Brianna says
Thank you! To be of service to others is a rewarding experience regardless of the capacity its done in.
Karla | karlaroundtheworld says
What a touching post. WIshing your brother the best of luck 🙂
Brianna says
Thank you Karla for the kind words and good wishes.
Fiona Maclean says
AS others have said, this is a really touching post. All respect to your brother, and to you for supporting him
Brianna says
Thanks Fiona for your kind words.
Andi says
Your brother’s eyes are the same as yours! What a magnificent gift your blog post it to your brother and his wife. I wish safety ans security for your brother and his family.
Brianna says
Andi, not only are we apples that fall from the same tree, we have the same birthday 5 years apart! Thank you for your kind thoughts.
Betsy Wuebker | PassingThru says
What a beautiful tribute to your brother’s dedication and the bond you share. Thanks to both of you for your service to our nation.
Brianna says
Thank you Betsy, it was a very heartfelt post for me.
Natalie says
Wow – this is really nice. I bet your brother is proud to have such a supportive sister, and I’m sure this letter will motivate him as he starts this journey in his life. I wish your family the best!
Brianna says
Thanks for your kind words Natalie, I’m super proud of him!
Veronika Tomanova says
Thanks for touching story! It’s really inspiring.
Brianna says
Thank you for your kind sentiments Veronika!
Meg Jerrard says
Such a touching post Brianna … will keep your brother in our thoughts and prayers as he embarks on his next journey.
Aileen Adalid says
This is such a heartfelt post for your brother! I wish him nothing but the best in his journey. I’ll keep your brother in mind for well wishes. <3
Ollie says
Very personal, touching post. I hope you brother will have good and safe journey. I hardly recognized Washington, in TV it looks bit different 🙂
Brianna says
Thanks for your kind words Ollie. I hope you get a chance to visit Washington DC sometime, its a beautiful city.
Monica says
A very moving post – thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I hope your brother will be safe.
Brianna says
Thank you for your kind words Monica.