Today though, is an exception.
I'll be the first to say I have a love/hate relationship with the Army. I go back and forth daily whether or not I want us to make a career out of this or to get out and lead civilian lives.
However, since we've been in Italy, I've been quite pleased with the company that Sean is in. Never before have I met a commander who is so interested in the lives of his soldiers and families. He always has a kind word for me when I see him and he individually hand-wrote letters to all of the wives in the company before this deployment to tell them how much he appreciated attributes of our husbands and our support.
Sean's 1st Sergeant is much the same way. I'm worried enough about this deployment as it is, but I feel 100 times better knowing Sean has such great leadership. Believe me...not every company on this post has it together like the company we are in. I've heard some horror stories.
Although I've not really become close to anyone in our FRG, I will say that we have a good group of wives. I've yet to see any bickering going on and there isn't a person that rubs me the wrong way. Our FRG leader is great too. Whenever she sees me around post she always calls me by name. Trust me...not everyone does that. That's something that is very important to me.
Last but not least, our Rear D guy is awesome. He's actually the guy who picked us up when we first got to Italy last year. I have complete confidence that if I have a problem while Sean is deployed that he will take care of it. In fact, Sean has already discussed with him our mold problem and the possibility that I will have to move during this deployment. He's assured Sean that if I have a problem, he'll be going to bat for me.
I feel lucky having this group here. I know not all units or companies are run this way and I'm sure somewhere down the line I'll have a bad experience with the Army and who's in charge of us, but for now I have no complaints!
That is very reassuring. I am so worried that my husband is going to get into a horrible group. I want our first experience with the Army to be a good one, not one where we are regretting our decision. I have heard many times that your Army Life all depends on where you get stationed and which group you are placed in.
ReplyDeleteIt definitely helps to know all of that. I'm not sure I had any of those assurances before Mark deployed. I just knew the people and felt good about them. And I knew next to nothing about the FRG so I rarely used them too. When they came home and I got to know everyone I felt tons better. I guess knowing mark's buddies was enough for me. And knowing a few of the wives.
ReplyDeleteGlad to know something is calming your nerves as the time gets closer.
I'm very glad for you! My husband is in one of those horror story units and nothing scares a wife more than the knowledge that the leadership could give a rat's behind about their soldiers. Glad you lucked out!!
ReplyDeleteThat is so great that you guys are in such a great unit. It doesn't always work out that way. I bet it makes your husband feel so much better about being away too.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you have such great people looking out for you and your husband during this deployment. I'm sure this is a huge weight off of both your shoulders.
ReplyDeleteThat is so good to hear. It sure makes things a lot easier when there are good people that will help you out!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great thing to know you have such a great group of people who will be with Sean when he deploys. That must help to put your mind at ease, even if it's just a little bit.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you have someone to count on while Sean is gone. I can't imagine having to move alone, though I know it may be in my future sometime. The military sure does have its ups and downs doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteThat is so awesome! Its great that you have some support, I have heard some real horror stories!
ReplyDeleteSounds like such a great group of people/support system that you have there. It makes going through deployment that much easier! :)
ReplyDeleteYes, occasionally the Army has its upsides. Sounds like he has a great company and you have a great group back home. Very comforting when headed into a deployment.
ReplyDeleteGreat units are the best! I love when everything just fits perfectly together. The soldiers, the leaders, the wives, the FRG!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds awesome! I've been really lucky so far with the couple people I know from P's company. His commander is great, I really like her. She's single, but I have met her mom and sister. She invited me out for drinks with her friends and family after the company BBQ the day after P deployed, which was really nice to connect with some other people who are going through it. Beyond that, I don't know anyone, but based off of what P has told me, the company is a better one than his previous.
ReplyDeleteIt is reassuring to hear, and the letter is something I may suggest to P when he has company command in the next few years.