I remember the very first day we met. It was the first day of kindergarten and we were already the tallest girls in the class. The rest was history. We were at each other's sides since day one and there was no way of separating us. We moved up to first grade, moved on to our 5th-grade continuation, entered into high school and then walked across the stage to accept our high school diploma together. Through all of those milestones in our life and everything in between, I have to say that watching you walk across the stage to accept your diploma from the United States Air Force Academy made me the most proud to be your friend.

Our entire lives, you were always adamant about leaving your mark on this world in the most positive way. You always told me how important it was for you to bring light to any situation. And you always did. You have never exuded selfishness, you have never given up on anyone or anything and you always make sure that everyone knows that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You are the type of friend who will pick up the phone no matter what hour it is and make sure that everything is okay. We can go weeks or months without speaking, but when we catch up, it's like no time has passed between us. You have given me a friendship that I have been thankful for every day for the past 18 years.

The day you told me you were applying to the Air Force Academy, I don't think I quite understood it at first. I hadn't known anybody in the military and I had no clue as to how that application process worked. But as you described it and as I saw how passionate you were about it, I knew that this nation's military was going to gain one bad ass and one extremely dedicated woman. I had no doubt that you would succeed and I knew that this was the perfect opportunity for you to create the change you've always longed for. It's no easy feat graduating from a military academy and all of your hard work has clearly paid off. Words will never be able to come close to describing how proud I am of you and how honored I am to have a best friend like you.

Through everything we've gone through, you have remained the same girl I met on that first day of kindergarten. Lighthearted, strong, caring and passionate. No matter where we are in the world, I know I can always count on you. Thank you for serving our country, thank you for your sacrifices and bravery and as always... thank you for being my best friend.