Dear lovely,

Never before have I ever had anyone close to me in the military. My grandfather before me was in the Navy, but he never reaped any benefits, and he never truly acknowledged his short time there. The veterans in my family are distant, if at all there, and so I always held a fascinated curiosity within me all my life to what that was about. I was skeptical, too. I never felt truly patriotic in my life. I was always questioning everything. I still do, when it comes to politics in the military. But that’s not what I’m here to talk about.

I’m here to talk about how much I love you.

Some people don’t believe you can be a sorority girl and a military woman. You prove them all wrong. But then again, are we really surprised? It’s you we’re talking about. You can do anything.

You’re so brave and beautiful. You have this personality this is very brusque and straightforward. There’s no nonsense about you. Either a thing is, or it isn’t. That’s one of the many reasons why you’re so lovable. There’s something in you that just appeals to people, people that need that black and white filter in their lives sometimes.

When you make a decision, you stick to it. You can’t go back and change it, and so you go with it. You don’t flinch away from pain. It sucks, yes, but you grit your teeth and bear it. The many fantastic and defying adventures that surround you make you who you are. The amount of incredible tales that you can claim is awesome and makes for some good laughs.

When I’m with you, being in the military just seems so natural. It’s clear it’s your ambition. Though you might complain of it at times, it’s in your heart and soul— your drive— to serve your country, to protect us, to push yourself to the limits and make yourself better. I can’t tell you how inspiring you are.

So, now when I think of the military, I think you. I think of your dedication. Because I love you so much as my sorority sister, my friend, my neighbor, I am scared for you. The threat of ISIS you speak so calmly and abrasively of, the threat that can tear you away across oceans fighting for your life, and others, gives shivers to the rest of us. Doing most of my growing up post-9/11, terrorism threats are a natural occurrence to me. But knowing someone who might have to go overseas makes it real, and not something the media (sometimes) talks about.

Even though your sorority

sisters and I will miss you terribly, know that we love you. Know that we are so proud of you. Please know, that whatever choices you make, we stand beside you, and are so amazed and awed to be your sisters.

We love you.

Sincerely,

Your sorority sister