Only six words to describe my entire military life? Try: AIRFORCE BRAT. NAVY WIFE. ARMY MOM. OK, that’s really seven words. And kinda boring.
Six more words: WAITING. WAITING. WAITING. WAITING. WAITING. JOY!
That’s a little better, but is it isn’t quite what I am looking for …
This week USAA is asking its members to take a moment to think about what matters most, write their life stories in just six words, then share it. Those who share their story may have it featured in an upcoming issue of USAA Magazine or on usaa.com.
I love this exercise. The first time it was used was reportedly in the 1920s. Ernest Hemmingway was challenged to write an entire short story using only six words. He wrote: “For sale. Baby shoes. Never worn.”
Smith magazine used the idea to launch a monthly feature where they asked famous people to write their autobiography or their love stories in only six words. Six word stories included:
“Not always perfect, but so worthwhile.”
“Hog the covers, I don’t mind.”
“He’s dumb but lifts heavy stuff.”
How would you describe your military life in six words? How would your service member describe his? Click here to find out what I submitted to USAA and get more ideas.
About Jacey Eckhart
Comments
Empowered Journey, Continually updating the OpOrder….
When are you finally coming home.
I CAN'T WAIT TO GET OUT!
Anticipation, Excitement, Hard Work, Sacrifice, Disappointment.
God, Freedom, Country, Honor, Respect, Peace
Not my story, but …
"His boots came home without him.":
Once a marine always a marine.
Looking forward to retirement very soon!
(From a disabled vet) – I wish I could have stayed.
Really Can't wait for Boot Camp!
The WORST mistake of my LIFE!
I am really sorry, that's too bad. It is true the military isn't for everyone, and being a spouse of a military member isn't for everyone either. When my husband and I got married I was still active duty. He was planning on ETSing just weeks after we married and go back to school while I supported us for the next few years. BUT, it didn't work out that way. He decided he should stay in a little longer. Well, in time a baby came along and I got out, he stayed in. I never even thought about the repercussions of being an army wife to be honest. It was his job and he was supporting us. He eventually became a Warrant Officer and now with over 20 years in (and three deployments behind us) we are on the 3 year down hill to retirement. I can't say it has been the most wonderful life all the time, but we have weathered many storms in the 17 years we have been married and I am very proud of the accomplishments and sacrifices my husband has made for us, his family. And I am proud of us as a couple for not giving up when things got rough, we have stuck it out and that's more then I can say for most of our friends. It can be a rewarding experience.
Sorry also to TiredArmyWife….but like Heather says, it is not a life for everyone. It is hard work, but also rewarding work. Many times I have been discouraged, upset, and totally fed up but have managed to stick it out and I am SO glad I did! It has been a lot of ups and downs for being a military spouse but also for just being a spouse-we have made it through 27 years come this Friday with married life and 26 years as my husband being an enlisted man in the Air Force….I wouldn't trade a day for the experience or life….it has been the best time of my life and I would do it all over again if had the choice. We have sacrificed a lot, but have also enjoyed a lot….many deployments, remotes, etc….but we have made it and will be retiring in the next month! Loved seeing all the different places and sights….6 words for me would have to be: LOVE, HONOR, FREEDOM, THANKFUL, PRIDE, LIFE!
I too am really tired.
Life is good, I am thankful.
sacrifice, loneliness, frustration, dissappointment, anger, failure.
that is exactely how i feel. Completely agree.
been there, done that, got pride
Hey Babe, hurry up and wait!
I'm married but without a husband.
I hear ya, been married 9 months, DH has been gone for 8 months. 4 more months until he comes home!
Me too! I know he's around somewhere…
And if I could, I would echo these words as my own as well.
Wouldn’t change a thing about it
It was just a job and I enjoyed the 14 years I put in until they retired me I was looking stay in for 30 years.
it is perfect in every way!
5 tenders 1 carrier happy days
Never get attached to one place.
Security, Family, Support, Hardships, Appreciation, Excitement
Optimistic adventures throughout our army life.
You're home! nooooo! you're leaving again.
It seems we go through that ALOT being a military wife
Free college degree , six figure job .
put that in your juice box and suck it
army brat turned army wife.
Single Mom, Possible Widower… My Thoughts
Best time in my life
I didn't come with his seabag.
leave all better than it was … situations, units and people … edited from leave everything and everyone better than you found them
Decision, plan, work, result, secure, happy
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Lonliness, anger, strength, proud, madly-inlove