that-thingyoudo asked: Congrats on the engagement! How old are you by the way? And what part of the Armed Forces are you in? I plan on joining the National Guard, seeing that I can serve close to home and still work, which is ideal to me. But of course I know no matter what part of the AF you're in, you have a chance of being sent away. What are some good ways to kind of handle being apart? I think the hardest thing for my girl will be when I'm send to BCT.

Thank yoouuu! I’m at the ripe age of 19. I’m in the Army Guard. It’s a great way to go in my opinion. Especially now since when you get deployed, and if you’re married, you get zero help with your relationship being lgbtq. No doubt, no matter what branch, 99% of the time, you WILL get deployed. Good ways to handle being away.

-SKYPE.

-Send her cards, gifts, anything to make her smile.

-Make time for each other out of your busy day, each day, to catch up, hear each others faces, sing songs, smile.

-Communication is key.

-Remind her every day of what you think of her, how much she means to you and that it will never change. I know it will seem often, but from a distance, fears add up very quickly without reassurance. 

-Don’t act differently or more “tough”. Keep your soft side, at least with her. Be yourself with her at all times. 

BCT wont be difficult for you because of how busy you will be. You’ll write a letter every night and it will keep you going. A few tears here and there. You’ll have people to talk to as well and make bonds with. For her, she needs to stay SUPER busy to not think about it so much. She should write daily as well. :) Hope that helps.