I’ve seen a ton of bravery and courage .. but not in the sense you might think. I’ve seen husbands and wives courageous enough to weather yet another deployment.. away from their family, their friends.. missing the births of their children. Missing birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. I’ve seen soldiers lose their husbands/wives to other people because of the separation and still press on and complete the mission despite immense personal grief. I’ve seen soldiers with enough personal courage to say “I don’t drink” or “I don’t smoke” or “Sorry, I’m married..you’ll have to find someone else”. So while acts of bravery on the battlefield are certainly noteworthy, it is these acts off the battlefield that inspire me on a day to day basis. To those with this specific kind of personal courage, I thank you. Your courage does not pass by unnoticed.