July 02, 2010 
by Sarah Sandifer
Uniforms. Gunfire. Humvees. Saluting. All part of a typical day. Some non-military friends recently came to visit. To give them a taste of military life, we took a tour through post. We showed them landmarks like the airborne jump towers, the Ranger school, and where basic training is held.
They were impressed with it all, but the aspect of post they were most amazed by surprised me. The soldiers. Walking through the PX and seeing people sitting in the Food Court, shopping, and getting haircuts in uniform was awe-inspiring for them. I think it’s amazing too, but has become so normal I tend to forget we are in our own little world here in the military.
My friend’s husband’s job entails going to an office, processing loans, and coming home at 5 p.m. My husband’s job entails jumping out of planes and walking through villages in Afghanistan carrying a weapon. It’s definitely not the most normal of professions.
This life is very different than the one many of our friends back home are living. Why did we go this route? This is a lifestyle requiring strength, dedication, commitment, and sacrifice. Why did we choose this? Wouldn’t it have been easier to find a job at a store near our families and call it good? Why does the military draw so many different people from so many different walks of life?
Why do we do what we do? I’ve come up with several reasons:
-So others don’t have to.
-Because you make life-long friends.
-Because you come from a military heritage and other options aren’t as fulfilling.
-Because you believe in the cause.
-Because it develops an awareness of the world you would not have been able to possess otherwise.
-Because of the camaraderie with those who are standing by your side through the good, the bad, the funny, and the tears.
-Because there is something significant about devoting your life to something greater than yourself.
-Because you get to see the world and the country.
-Because we know we need to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.
-Because we fall in love with our soldiers.
Sometimes living a life devoted to the military is as complicated as politics, economics, or family dynamics. But sometimes, it is as simple as a love story. There is a powerful purpose in what we do, no matter the reason that got us here in the first place.
This is a life-changing profession. It is impossible to leave the military as the same person you were when you entered it, whether as the service member or the spouse. It expands your worldview, forges friendships, and instills pride. It develops compassion, patience, and grace. It cultivates selflessness when you help others, and gratitude when you receive help. It changes you. It matters.
This life makes a difference. It’s worth it. Sometimes you may need to look around your post or base and realize not everyone in America is used to seeing soldiers in berets. We are the few fortunate ones who experience the immense pride that comes from serving. I am grateful.
As we gear up for the Fourth of July, if military life has gotten normal for you, pause for a moment the next time you’re on post. Look around and truly recognize the importance, the power, and the beauty of your surroundings. The uniforms. The formations. The soldiers. The sacrifice. The pride.