The month of April has been set aside to acknowledge the sacrifices a military child makes. All I can say is, about darn time. I grew up an Army brat. My dad is my hero for numerous reasons but the biggest being that he gave up so much time he could have spent with his family so he could provide us with the life he never had. So selfless, so full of love. That is the example my father set for me. But being a child raised in the military is hard, so very...read more

• 4 Comments

When I agreed to write for this blog, I had no idea that others would read it besides my parents. Then I started getting asked questions about the Army, really tough questions too! This progressed to people actually joining and doing so well for themselves! I'm so excited that Army Strong Stories has helped bring information to those who need it and which has led to really wonderful results. See below: Bree Wienke will be leaving so very...read more

• 3 Comments

Although I am not due for another HIV test, my unit thought it would make my day to have this done. Reserve Health sent me into the legit ghetto of Houston (not where I used to live, which was one of the wards that had Crypt gang tags everywhere but quaint coffee shops next to yoga studios), the kind where I am afraid to get out of my car, the kind where I have to be buzzed into the clinic. I thought about just not going in and telling my commander I was freaked the eff out....read more

• 4 Comments

Sigh...it's another drill weekend. As the only LT in my unit, life can be a little rough. Here's a snapshot of the last two days and what you (if you're also a LT) should not do: 1) Don't listen to the couple Majors that tell you formation is at 0700 when really it's at 0645. They're not going but don't tell you that. You go down to the drill hall anyway so you're early only to realize EVERYONE is formed up and at parade rest....read more

• 2 Comments

This is a message that greeted me when I logged in to my Facebook account today: "YOU ARE A DISGRACE TO THE UNIFORM! YOU ENGAGE IN SODOMY,PRE-MARITAL SEX, YOU BELIEVE GAYS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO SERVE OPENLY AND CORRUPT OUR MILITARY, YOU SUPPORT OBAMA, SHAME ON YOU!!!!!!!! HHOW DARE YOU TREAT ME THAT WAY YOU TREACHEROUS PHONY!" At first I was appalled, as I am hoping anyone who reads that is. I don't openly talk about my political preferences and my religious faith...read more

• 9 Comments

Promoted to 1LT! Although, I'm pretty sure a LT is still a LT no matter what color the bar.

• 4 Comments

I am a self-defined nerd. For those of y'all that have been reading this blog for awhile, this comes as no surprise. I am taking a small course this semester. No biggie right? So far I have printed out every Power Point in the course catalog, three hole punched them, and placed them all under the appropriate tab in a binder. The binder also has a cover sheet. Don't judge me. Then last week, I had to go pick up my books. One step onto...read more

• 3 Comments

For those of y'all that love Modern Family as much as I do, you probably noticed that last night something else was on. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztbJmXQDIGA Whatever your viewpoint may be regarding our President and politics in general, this speech is meant for all of us. Take some time to watch some or all of it. Reflect on its message. Think back to when you were a kid and what being an American meant then and what it means now. Has your viewpoint...read more

• 2 Comments

Happy New Year! What better way to begin a new than with Part II of an oh so clever (yes, I give myself a lot of credit) survival guide? This is an all around, here-is-what-I-wished-I-had-known, second parter minus the scenarios because, frankly, I am now writing two blogs and my creative juices are not flowing. -Find a way to clear your head every once in awhile. For me, this meant driving up to Tucson on a Saturday morning and reading at Barnes & Noble. Yes,...read more

• 1 Comment

Wow, 2010 has flown by and so much has taken place! I decided to think of my favorite Top 10 moments and reflect on all the wonder this year has held: 10) Although Nebraska may have lost to OU and Taylor Martinez had little motivation, it was still awesome to finally watch a college football game in person. Bye bye Big 12 and hello Big 10! 9) My birthday! What made it so special though was here I was, in the middle of BOLC, and my new friends took me horseback riding...read more

• Post Comment