Mark <3

My friend Mark has been in the Air Force since 1994. He has been overseas more than most other military members I know, and has faced so much hardship during his time in. He is a widower who has since remarried, has a special needs child, and has witnessed and survived things that would break most people. He is a true soldier, not just in the military, but life as well. When his wife passed (who he met and married during his first year in the Air Force), things were extremely difficult for him. Having a special needs child and being active duty made the passing of his wife that much more unbearable, yet he pressed on. He has so much support from family, friends, and the community. The times he is home are some of the best - we all get together, talk, laugh, listen to his stories, just enjoy the time we have with him. When he leaves, we never say goodbye. We say "I'll see you again." And I know we will.