Merry Christmas! I write to you from Raeford, North Carolina where I have finally been able to settle down for what will be more than a few months’ time. In just fifteen months, I have circled the southeast moving from Tennessee to Fort Jackson, South Carolina for Basic Training; Fort Benning, Georgia to Officer Candidate School; Fort Sill, Oklahoma for the Basic Officer Leadership Course and now finally, Fort Bragg, North Carolina where I am slated to spend the next 2-3 years. Each state provided me with memorable experiences, new friends, and positive changes.
Goodbye apartment. Hello house. A friend with whom I went to school in OK with and I rented a house. We’re merely a short 15-20 minutes to work. Fort Bragg is far larger than Fort Sill. I am still trying to learn my way around, discovering that I have little direction sense and find myself lost often. I hope this gets better with time. North Carolina is gorgeous; I have loved this state since I was a little girl. Mountains and beach—who could ask for anything more? It has been a very fun and exciting experience turning a house into a home.
Soldier student to Soldier leader. I was made a platoon leader upon my arrival to Fort Bragg. What a challenging yet rewarding position. I am learning so much every day. My soldiers have been very welcoming and helpful with my transition into the unit. They call me their “Platoon Mama”. Haha. When they’re not calling me that, I am “The Ma’am”. I am determined to learn my job so to provide them with the kind of leader they are deserving of.
One wasn’t enough so let’s add another! In April, I became an aunt for the second time to another beautiful baby boy—Chase Joseph Forcucci. I was fortunately able to travel to Connecticut in September to meet him. Though short, I enjoyed the time I was able to spend with my sister, nephews, and brother-in-law.
Farewell car. Hey there SUV. In September I said goodbye to my little Versa and purchased a Rogue. It was time for something a little larger for both travelling and safety purposes. I love my new vehicle and am quite satisfied with the buy. I had it less than a month before I drove it across half the country!
College teammates and friends become responsible wives and mothers. This summer, my best friend Angie informed me that I would become Aunt Staci again in 2014. Baby Audrey Marie is due in February. On another joyous note, best friend Ashley became engaged. She and lucky husband to be, Joe Korbler, are to be married in June 2014. Time to wear another beautiful bridesmaid dress!
A house needs a pet. A few weeks ago I adopted a 7 week old kitten that I named Ava. She brings me laughs and cuddles on a daily basis. She took her first road trip to Tennessee for Thanksgiving and overall was the most precious and well behaved travel companion. We had only one kitty crisis in which she finagled herself up into and behind the dashboard getting stuck behind the steering column. Normal people stop on the side of the road because they break down; I stop because my cat gets stuck in the dashboard of my car—try explaining that one with a straight face to good Samaritans stopping to help you.
I look forward to the challenges and experiences that await me in 2014. There is a strong possibility I will deploy the following year so 2014 must be lived to the fullest! I wish you and yours a happy, joyful and blessed Christmas holiday. May God bless you in the New Year with good health and new, happy memories. No distance is too far when love connects the hearts; therefore, you remain with me always.