July 18, 1988.  That is the day that my husband joined the Navy.  He was fresh out of high school.  He was young - barely 19 years old.  He headed off to Basic Training in Great Lakes, then got sent to Puerto Rico and a few other cool places before he came back to Dothan, Alabama, our small hometown, where we got married in December and set out to begin our lives together.  I was not sure what to expect from my new "dependent" s]tatus.  I was a DW, seemingly lost my identity and became quickly aware that I had to learn his SSN, mine didn't matter anymore, and how to navigate the many benefits and resources available to young military families.  Back then, we didn't have cell phones, internet or many of the resources we have today.  We had USO Grams, MARS Grams and Snail Mail to communicate during deployments.  Deployments- there were many in our almost 28 years of my husband's career with the Navy.  We calculated it up once and I think I remember we actually were together about 3 of the first 12 moths of our marriage - not all at once either.  We spent countless birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, days, nights, weeks, months and even years apart during his career.  I was a proud Navy Wife.  I "served" alongside him and did what I could to help other military families, attend military events and participate in spouse things.  I worked outside the home, often having to change jobs due to his relocation.  We moved 28 years in 27 years.  Sometimes it was due to PCS, sometimes it was due to his deployments and sometimes it was due to various other things- ship overhaul in New Orleans and two change of homeports, etc.  He worked hard, for years, and went from a Seaman Apprentice to Petty Officer during the first 12 years of his career.  He took classes at the local junior college after work hours and earned an associates degree.  He applied for the Enlisted Commissioning Program and was selected, and attended Auburn University where he graduated with honors and then received his Commission as an Ensign in the US Navy.  All of these accomplishments were things to celebrate!  He was the first member of his immediate family to graduate from college.  He was proud of his decision to join the Navy and get an education.  I was proud of him.  He continued his career in the Navy, serving admirably as a Naval Officer, working up the ranks, volunteering for IA tours and taking orders that often others didn't want because he felt it would better his career and long-term goals.  He was a "poster child" for the Navy - a poor kid with little hope for a future who joined the military to get the GI Bill, worked hard and got multiple degrees including a Master's Degree.  He dreamed of being reaching 30 years active duty and making CO one day.  He loved the Navy.  I loved the Navy.  We loved the Navy life and being a part of the Navy Family.  We belonged.  We were blessed.

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During our years in the Navy, we suffered 

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