Army again

So today, Zach's battalion had a change of command ceremony.  In other words, his unit got a new Lieutenant Colonel for a commander.  The ceremony was complete with a band, flags, M-4s, cavalry horses and a canon pulled by mules.  I didn't get to see the whole thing, it was extremely windy and a little colder than I thought and Esther was not happy so we went inside the Custer house and I got her fed and happy.

The beginning was pretty cool, seeing all of the soldiers standing in formation and hearing the band.  The band actually marched and did some pretty low-key formations and stuff, it made me think of Matt Higgins, only in Army Camo instead of a band uniform, hehe.  During the National Anthem, all of the soldiers of course saluted.  For some reason, Zach wasn't in formation (I guess there were some problems yesterday or some kind of Army something... when I asked, I got the whole "don't ask" look).  So he was standing next to me, saluting at the flag, and I looked over and was really amazed at my reaction.  I mean, I've always been proud of Zach for serving in the military and I've seen him at a few different functions, but I'm not sure I've ever seen him saluting up close and for some reason, the pride hit me a lot differently then it ever has before.  I wanted to climb up on top of the bleachers on the parade field and yell to everyone, "My husband is a soldier and I am proud of him!".  (Which is ironic because everyone there was either a soldier or family of a soldier).  I just couldn't take my eyes off him... but because I felt funny starting at my husband when everyone else was staring at the flag so I had to just glance over a few times.

After the ceremony, all of the officers came into the Custer house (where I was with Esther) for refreshments.  Zach came in to get me and seriously looked like he couldn't even breathe in there.  The reason wasn't his asthma, it was all the brass in the house.  Zach said he felt like walking around with his hand covering his rank patch and the other hand covering his face.  I realized how bad it was when I saw a star on a rank patch.  A one-star general, a brigadier general... wow.  It's funny, the army seriously reminds me of like, the Middle Ages with the hierarchy of society.  Even I felt really awkward when all the brass started walking in.  Even though not many people would do it, I kinda felt like someone was going to tap me on the shoulder and say "hi, and what rank is your husband?  Oh, I'm sorry, you have to leave now."  It's a really funny life, the Army life.  At times, really normal, and other times, it's like a completely different country.

Mom and Dad Vernon are coming in tonight to help us pack for our move on-post.  We're really excited.  Not only will we be saving a TON of money but it'll mean less drive time for Zach and he'll be able to come home for lunch more often and spend more time at home during lunches. Here's looking forward to a CRAZY week!