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Letter home from Angela and Derrick (Mike) Parks, Tyndall AFB, Florida Those of you who are retired or active duty military understand the meaning of 'Military Life Can Be Tough'. This statement isnt only directed toward the military member, but to the spouses as well. Allow me to tell my experience so far in the Air Force. -Angela Gail (Parrish) Parks I met Derrick (Mike) our senior year at ACHS. Soon after graduation he left for Basic training in Lackland AFB, TX. After leaving basic, he attended F-15 Aircraft Training at Sheppard AFB, TX. In December 2000, he returned home for only twelve days. During this visit we were married. Again, he left for Tyndall AFB, FL for extra training. Shortly after returning home in February 2001, we left, together, for RAF Lakenheath, England. Thats when the REAL military life began. I had never been on any type of aircraft. So flying over a huge body of water was very frightening to me. Needless to say the flight from USA to UK took about 6-7 hours. By the time we landed I was ready to sleep! It took me a long while to get used to everything. From the loud sounds of the jets engines flying over to showing my military ID every time I turned around. It had to be checked before entering the main gates to shopping at the Commissary (military grocery store). Even to go visit the doctor it had to been shown. Yes, England is a long way from home. But it was great to be able to see the history of this foreign land. We visited many places during our tour there. Still adapting to this new life, I decided to get a job to pass time. I was employed at the Child Development Center were I taught young children ages 6 wks to 5 years. I loved my job; my coworkers were very sweet and helped me adapt quickly. Derricks job insisted he work up to 14-hour shifts. I hated the part of never seeing each other. By the time I returned home from work he was leaving to go to work.Every day I smelled the jet fuel on his uniform and the grease on his boots. His job is much more complicated than you think. For you see, he doesnt fly the jet he is a mechanic. If he does something wrong and the jet crashes, he pays for it. In September 2001, something horrible happened, as you all may know. Our nation fell under attack. I will never forget that day. I was at work when some of my coworkers came rushing into the classrooms screaming and crying. I didnt understand so I stood back for a moment and cuddled the scared crying children. Still not fully understanding the situation, I tried to explain to the preschoolers that everyone was sad and that it was ok for them to be sad as well. After overhearing a coworker say, Who would attack the twins towers? I felt the tears start to swell up and my heart began beating to the rhythm drum. Several ladies were called in a matter of hours getting notification that there spouses were being deployed back to the states to help out. Just imagine how they must have felt. Every woman there prayed and waited as the phones rang continuously to hear if it was their spouse leaving next. I felt blessed by God that Derrick didnt have to go. But I also felt pity for those who did. In December 2001 we became pregnant. The pregnancy was a little complicated in the beginning. During my second trimester, Derrick was sent on a TDY (temporary duty) back to the states for about forty-five days. During the time he was gone, labor had to be stopped several tome so that he wouldnt miss the birth. He had been home only for about a week or so when our son Damien came into this world. September 16, 2002, Beautiful bouncing baby boy! Our families in Kentucky couldnt fly over for the birth. It wasnt easy giving birth without our loved ones support. I think that is the hardest part, not being able to see or call family whenever you felt like it. I mean come on, imagine how expensive the phone bill would have been. Dont get me wrong. We did call back and forth as often as possible. When our son was about 9-months old, Derrick left for Qatar, neighboring Iraq, and didnt return home till five months later. Derrick missed his only son taking his first steps just a few hours after leaving. He missed his first birthday as well as his first words. The only contact we had were cards, photos, letters, and of course email. Through out the time he was gone he watched his son grow up in photos. Couldnt touch or hold him but only see what his eyes would allow. He loved receiving letters from home. Derrick returned home just before Christmas. I remember searching for him in the crowds of thousands of troops. I felt I would never find him or maybe he wasnt coming home. After seeing his face in the distance I ran to embrace him. When he looked at his son he said, Wheres my baby boy? Within in about three months of returning home from this deployment, we received orders to be shipped back to the states where we now reside at Tyndall AFB, FL.Its a little closer to Columbia yet still too far from family of which have only seen our son about twice in the three years of his little life. I like the saying, Home is where the Air Force Flies us. As soon as we thought we were settled down, we were ordered to pack up a leave again. To us a home is a home as long as we can be together. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our families for all of their support and love in our decisions we have made in our lives. Most importantly I want to thank God Almighty for keeping us safe in his arms and for giving me the courage to take on roles I didnt think I was ready for. Angela Gail Parks (Parrish) pantherwife1981@yahoo.com Click here to read Angelas discovery of her hometown community website. Sad Goodbye The day had come I dreaded to see. I hated to be there to watch him flee. He kissed my lips and whispered goodbye. My body trembled as I began to cry. As he walked down the terminal, fear crowded my mind. Pondering these thoughts that were knot kind. Would we meet again or was this the end? Would my heart be with my best friend? He turned around for one last look. I could read him like a book. He wanted to stay but had no choice. The U.S. Military was now his voice. As I watched the plane fade into the cloud. I saw his face and I felt proud. As weeks went by, my heart would ache. For his return I could hardly wait. When I lay to sleep, I would dream. Of that glorious day by the stream. When he knelt to one knee and held my hand. He placed on my finger a small golden band. Months slowly crept and I longed for his touch. Knowing his love meant so much. Finally the day had arrived. To steal him away I had strived. I searched as the passengers walked on by. At first I couldnt find him, I felt I could cry. I had to look twice to see that same face. That I remembered in the last embrace. So different he looked, now military style. The wait was worth all the while. I ran to grab him, to hold on tight. From this day forward with all my might. With arms outstretched, tears filled our eyes. Never again for say goodbyes. Written by: Angela Parks Dedicated to my wonderful husband, SSgt. Derrick Parks This story was posted on 2005-10-12 10:46:29
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