After many weeks of stressing over the right dress, shoes, and hairstyle, the night of the Aviation Ball arrived. I had absolutely no clue what to expect. My only real experience has been meetings with recruiters and Basic and AIT graduation ceremonies for my boyfriend. All are considerably casual compared to a ball. So naturally, I was beyond nervous.

As the night went, on my nerves calmed down. Let me tell you, it is something special to be surrounded by so many respected men and women. The gratitude I have for each every one of them, and their families, is immeasurable. Listening to speakers talk about accomplishments they've made in the last year, or how they reintegrated into society after being seriously injured during deployment, left me speechless. Being able to see men and women alike being awarded for their bravery and courage, with a moment of prayer for the members who couldn't be there because they were overseas fighting, really gives you a feeling of appreciation. And then the toast to all of our fallen soldiers to truly make you realize how much our soldiers give. And, not to mention their families who stick with them and support them through it all.

I think that tonight really showed me how everyone becomes a family. The people around you are the people you can count on to be there for you, experiencing the same or similar situations. Tonight I fully understood that I love where this path has brought my boyfriend and I, and that I am so lucky to have him and to be gaining so many great friendships.

God bless those who serve, have served, or will serve our country.