Four years ago I didn’t think I’d be anywhere.
I didn’t think I’d be alive.
But now,
I’m breathing in the ****** air quality of
El Centro, CA.
Stationed at an Airbase near by.
A few things have changed since I last checked in, guys.
I joined the navy, I work aviation.
F-18 fight attack jets.
It’s been a hell of a journey so far.
I went from Great Lakes, to Pensacola, to Virginia Beach, and now I’m here in El Centro.
I’ve made friends.
Bonds that are stronger than titanium, or steel, or concrete.
I’ve lost friends too.
From distance, from death.
But the strangest thing is, we’re always connected.
My friends that are deployed to the South China Sea, when they’re in port
They always message me about how deployment is going.
They don’t forget me.
My friends that are touring around Europe,
Saez is in Greece.
Lockhart is in Norway.
Root is in Italy.
They always message me to tell me about it.
I’m not lonely anymore.
I’m not sad.
I’m so happy.
Every morning I wake up to the sound of Blue Angels flying
And it’s music to my ears.
I have a family again. It’s amazing.
Dude, it’s been a hell of a ride. I don’t have words for it. I’ve loved and lost but I’m happier than ever. Also, I have had friends die due to their service in the marine corps, a few of my friends unfortunately got into an accident over the summer. They were just training, but something went wrong with their aircraft and unfortunately it lost all function and fell out of the sky. It was very sad and VERY real when my OIC told my command that we were to go stand on the flight line and give them our respect. The accident happened nearby my base, so their bodies were transported here about a week later. Anyways, we stood in ranks as their caskets were loaded into a C-17. I’ve never seen a group of people more sad than the marine squadron looked that day. It was a very surreal moment, it was heartbreaking because I’d known some of the guys that were in it. Regardless, I’m grateful i got to know the few of them. Anywho, I hope you’ve all been well.