One needs a military ID in order to get on a military base. If you don't have one, you will have to drive to the visitor's center, show them your license and proof of insurance and they'll issue you a pass. It's a pain...especially if you've temporarily lost your military ID card.
This morning, before I drove out of my garage, I took my military ID card out of my wallet and put it on top of my bag which was resting on the passenger's seat. Ten minutes later, just as I was approaching the entrance gate, I noticed my ID card was no longer on top of my bag.
What could have happened to it? I never turned quickly or went up a steep hill. It was a flat, boring and quick drive a mere 2 exits up the freeway.
I felt a sense of panic as it was too late to turn away from the gate. I was going to have to go through and explain to the guard that somehow, I lost my ID on the drive there.
I rolled down my window as the guard put up his hand gesturing me to stop (I wonder what would have happened if I had sped through the gate, right by him...kidding, I would never have done that). "Sir, I took my military out and put it down in my car and now I can't find it." I explained, embarrassed.
He looked at the driver's license which I was hoping he'd think was good enough and just let me through. "You'll need to pull over and find it if you really have your card in the car.
Did I really look like I was lying? I even had the post's DCAL on my car windshield! I really did not want to take the extra time to go to the visitor's center when I had my own ID.
Knowing the rules were the rules (and that there was a long line of cars piling up behind me), I pulled over. Within a couple of minutes of frantically rummaging around my car's front seats, the ID appeared...just like that...in the tray below the emergency brake. I swear it wasn't there before.
I waved to the guard that I found it. He sent someone over to inspect its authenticity and alas, I was on my way.
I decided from now on, I will just keep the card in my wallet until I actually get to the gate.
A blog for military life stories
PROVOKED BY WAR: NOTES FROM AN ARMY WIFE Overview
Provoked by War: Reflections of an Army Wife is a book of essays that expose my thoughts and experiences as the wife of an active duty infantry officer during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom during our five years of marriage.
From a Special Operations Unit (1st Ranger Battalion) to an Infantry Company Commander (1-17 Infantry), my husband’s job has challenged, frustrated, confused and saddened me while also given me happy, prideful and fond memories.
The essays in Provoked by War candidly detail my most profound experiences, lessons, triumphs and hardships as an Army wife during this time of war.
My husband returned from his company command and sixth combat deployment in July of 2010 with 1-17 Infantry. Their battalion suffered more combat casualties than any unit since September 11, 2001 primarily because of their stryker vehicles’ susceptibility to IEDs (articles on their combat endeavors have been featured in The New York Times, Washington Post and on NPR).
Most informed people know a little something about the soldiers in Iraq and now, especially, Afghanistan from media outlets. But, when it involves your soldier, the war becomes far more than just another news segment or newspaper article; you understand life’s fragility in a way that challenges the very way you live and look at the society of which you are a part.
My vignettes show the very honest evolution of a carefree newlywed whose tone of lightheartedness grows more complex with each passing deployment. I have always maintained that nothing can really prepare you for what it means to be married into the military in a time of war. My essays are the result of my experiences learning the ropes, facing the challenges and living as a modern day Army wife in the midst of war.
From a Special Operations Unit (1st Ranger Battalion) to an Infantry Company Commander (1-17 Infantry), my husband’s job has challenged, frustrated, confused and saddened me while also given me happy, prideful and fond memories.
The essays in Provoked by War candidly detail my most profound experiences, lessons, triumphs and hardships as an Army wife during this time of war.
My husband returned from his company command and sixth combat deployment in July of 2010 with 1-17 Infantry. Their battalion suffered more combat casualties than any unit since September 11, 2001 primarily because of their stryker vehicles’ susceptibility to IEDs (articles on their combat endeavors have been featured in The New York Times, Washington Post and on NPR).
Most informed people know a little something about the soldiers in Iraq and now, especially, Afghanistan from media outlets. But, when it involves your soldier, the war becomes far more than just another news segment or newspaper article; you understand life’s fragility in a way that challenges the very way you live and look at the society of which you are a part.
My vignettes show the very honest evolution of a carefree newlywed whose tone of lightheartedness grows more complex with each passing deployment. I have always maintained that nothing can really prepare you for what it means to be married into the military in a time of war. My essays are the result of my experiences learning the ropes, facing the challenges and living as a modern day Army wife in the midst of war.
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