My mom was very unhappy when I told her I joined the Army! She didn’t see the Army, or military service in general, as good enough for me. She had of course changed her mind, as I was a Lieutenant Colonel when I retired.

Friendships were formed and camaraderie of service with hundreds from every assignment and all over the world! There is nothing in the civilian world like the camaraderie of those you serve with. I entered Active Duty in January 1987. I served in Iraq and Kuwait from November 2004 to September 2005. Although we saw no direct combat, we got mortared on a fairly regular basis. But you get used to it. The picture is me during a visit to a local Iraqi neighborhood on a goodwill visit. Our Colonel met with the village elders while the rest of us mingled. Armed, locked & loaded of course!

I had a nice homecoming, to my wife & daughter who was 11 months old and didn’t recognize me! I still had about a year and a half before retirement, but began to make the transition upon my return. How wartime experiences affected my life? In so many ways it could fill a book! But I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything. I was able to retire knowing that I did my part and learned many life lessons from military service.
My readjustment back to civilian life from the war was no problem. The big adjustment was from 20 years of service to full time civilian. That was an adjustment that evolved over several years. I still dream of being in the Army virtually every night.

I am proud of my military service to my country.

Joseph Friedman
Former Lieutenant Colonel
Retired US Army

We are very grateful to Joseph for sharing his personal story and invite you to share your family military service here as well.
God Bless all who serve and keep us safe.

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