Today I watched my cousin, Jared, getting ready to get on a plane for Iraq. I spent most of today out at Fort Hood. It’s amazing to me how these soldiers have such courage, none of them showing fear. I looked around at the soldiers faces most of them sad with fake smiles to please there wife and kids. Then I take a look back at Jared, I see no fear in his eyes, but I do see the sadness of leaving his family, his wife to be and her daughter. Gun in had, and M16 with 21 clips for ammunition, it’s time for him to go to the gym to get last minute shots and a physical this will be the last time we get to see him for a year to a year and a half. Kyle, Aunt Carol Lynn and I all hug him tell him we love him and tell him to be safe. Although I’m the only one crying I know they both want to, none of us want to see him leave, but we know it has to be because this is what happens when you join the military. I tell him that I love him one last time then he is off into the gym. I will keep him in my prayers and I hope you will do the same, as well as all the military forces anywhere over seas.