Military Move to Alaska

Wow, time was moving extremely slowly. It was 2001. I was ready to permanently change stations (PCS) and begin my new life as a married woman. But, prior to our move to Alaska, I was tasked with completing the Advanced Non Commissioned Officer Course (ANCOC), an eight week mandatory course for promotion to the next military rank. These were definitely going to be a strenuous eight weeks. I had to prepare and succeed in class, plan a wedding, and plan a major family move simultaneously.

This period in my career was very rewarding and at times overwhelming. Because of my background in training as a Drill Sergeant, I was looked upon for assistance with most ceremonial events while attending this course. Again, adding a little bit more to my already hectic life. But I'm still a Soldier so please don't take me wrong, I love training and mentoring Soldiers; it's what I do best. From the position as Student First Sergeant to Flag Detail to everyday precession marching, I was busy.

I loved my life and my career. My man had made it from Oklahoma and was visiting with me on the regular. My son was residing with my sister in South Carolina and doing well in school. Life was wonderful. You could see it in my walk and hear it in my talk.

"Time is progressing and the class is going well. Soon things will be moving vigorously and I look forward to my transition and life as a wife".

Two weeks until we graduated and excited would be an understatement. The gown was ordered and the Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids dresses were at the seamstress's. My fiancé was soothing me with promises of a wonderful life; everything was going as scheduled and things were looking up. I was looking forward to spending some quality time with my family prior to the move. Virginia is beautiful and I would really miss it, but it was time to move on to bigger and broader adventures. My fiancé and I were anticipating our seven day driving trip to Alaska as husband and wife.

"Seven days on the road with my new husband, my son and our darling dogs. I'm looking forward to being the best wife and friend that I could possibly be. My life is peacefully turning into something so memorable and grand."

Well, graduation was finally here and my family had arrived; my fiancé and son, my sister and her children, and my aunt. How beautiful it was to sustain the support of family during this special occasion. The military is extremely stressful on single parent families, but family support makes it all bearable. Stress is the inevitable but thanks to the love and support of my family, my military career thus far had been rewarding. Through the demanding obligations to my military career, my family has been nothing short of amazingly supportive. There were times when my mental and emotional state was tested, but the love and support of my family stood the test and I appreciate everything they did for me.

After graduation, we shared a family weekend in Northern Virginia, a small relaxation period prior to the wedding. We enjoyed a seafood feast and historical monuments, and just the joy of each other's time. Where else does your profession allow you to live this comfortably and free of charge? The kids were having a wonderful time and no one was complaining about the lengthy walking and touring. This was the first time my nieces and nephews visited Northern Virginia and the expressions on their faces told you that this was indeed an event they would never forget. Through it all, thoughts of pure joy and happiness consumed me and it was a feeling of incredible passion.

As the weekend neared its end, I was reminded that we had three weeks until our vows and again I was overwhelmed with preparations and planning of the best ceremony possible. My special day was quickly approaching and after 31 years of my life, I was finally getting married. My military career was fast-tracking and now my personal life and family would soon be complete. Everything was falling into the order of life God had prepared for me. The wedding planner had done a marvelous job on the proposed plan and reception hall venue. She had been a diamond in the rough, with all the turmoil and chaos. The dresses and tuxedos had been fitted and tailored. The wedding party had been briefed and rehearsed. All was proceeding according to plan and I was overly excited about my special day.

"Thoughts of the wedding start to consume me. I find myself over-thinking things and constantly worrying about the responsibilities the planner should have a handle on. I'm a nervous wreck but my spirits are high."

My wedding day (August 4, 2001) had come and I can remember running out to the hair salon for my spa and final preparations. Anxiety had set in and I found myself wondering if all expectations and preparations had been accomplished. I couldn't help praying and asking God to bless me with the most special day ever. Well, I was reassured by my stylist that it was normal to feel the way I was feeling, because we all strive for perfection and try to prevent imperfections. My mind was at ease as I drove back to my sister's house to finish dressing for "my special ceremony".

"Well, we're all dressed and ready to move on to the church. Anxiety sets in and I'm forced to put those feelings aside and get on with the job Second Wind "A Mother's Strength" at hand. I'm reminded that this is the moment I've been waiting for."

Our wedding was as perfect as anyone could have imagined. The church in South Carolina was elegantly adorned with flowers and pew dressings. The Bride's & Groom's Party were beautiful, their ensemble of forest green and black were stunning. The music (live musicians) was electrifying and memorable. My family turned out in the masses. This was truly a marvelous day for this "new bride." Several of my military buddies traveled to South Carolina and made this occasion that much more special. I remember vividly being nervous, as my uncle and I walked down the isle of the church. He continued to ask me if I were O.K. and insisted that I just follow his lead as we moved from pew to pew. You see, my father had passed away four years earlier and it was an honor to have his youngest brother, give me, his oldest daughter away on her wedding day.

The ceremony was so beautiful and time actually stood still, at least in my mind, for this unforgettable occasion. Wow ... let me not forget,

"I have two days and we're off on our road trip to Alaska."

With all this in mind, I gave myself to the joy of the...