RE: http://www.military.com/opinion/0,15202,183703,00.html

I didn't read last week's column, but I WHOLEHEARTEDLY agree with your article Sarah!!

There is no "winner" when it comes to the 'game'...one can't compare apples to oranges.

Try moving every six months-for 2 years. Or your husband telling you that you are moving to Panama...the country not the spring break destination....he is leaving in a week...you on the other hand need to sell the house, pack and move your belongings and oh yeah you have 2 kids under the age of 3.
I read something recently that might make sense to civilians. The point made was that the "benefits" military families receive are not so much "benefits" they are compensation for the sacrifices our spouses, our children, ourselves, and our extended family make have to make in order to serve this country.
I would also like to make the point that I would not trade places with anyone. I would though like the opportunity to throw a pity party for myself (if I ever had time) without others waiting to throw out comparisons to my lifestyle.
I know the economy is hard and the military seems cushy to some. But have you been so lucky that your husband called you from war on a satellite phone and as you are settling into conversation you hear explosions in the background and your husband saying "uh hun...I got to let you go." and wonder when or if you will hear from him.

Your right I made the decision to marry someone who serves, you didn't.

Oh my gosh I couldn't agree more with what you've said.

What people don't accept or realize is that the life they have is due to their choices. Everyone has a right to be frustrated and hate life every once in a while, but taking it out on someone else for their choices in life is absurd. You have to be happy with and thankful for what you have or you will never be happy.

You have to put things into perspective. I've felt depressed for years and last year I made the decision to write down everyday what I was thankful for. I found that I am not as depressed anymore and for all the things I felt I didn't have for years, I have a hell of a lot more.

For me, I would live in my car and eat cat food if that meant that my Husband was with me. No amount of money or any "benefit" can make up for the years we've spend apart.

But hey, you can be jealous of all you "think" I have for the rest of your life, but this is the life my husband and I chose. You're welcome to join up and experience it for yourself.