As a child I knew both my mom's parents served in the Navy.

My grandfather was a Pharmacist Mate and my grandmother was a Wave (nurse) back in WWII. My grandfather in today's Navy would have held the title of Corpsman, which is a full-circle moment because I married an Independent Duty Corpsman.

I never met my grandmother but he had a larger-than-life presence that I still remember even though he passed away when I was a young child.

I learned U.S. history and observed Veterans Day growing up but the meaning of Veterans Day has changed so much for me since meeting my husband, Jeremy.

It charged because my understanding of all the aspects that entail being a U.S. Veterans was now something that was embedded in my day-to-day life.

When I met my husband he was serving in the U.S. Navy and had been since he was 18 years years old.

He was the most genuine and sincere person I ever met.

He had this strong presence but was also humble and kind.

He changed my life as I knew it.

I was scared, I moved my whole life, but it was the best decision my younger self ever made. .

My new husband had plans to serve until his 20-year mark (at least), which I fully supported, especially after witnessing how dedicated he was to the Navy, to the Marines he administered care for, and to the service to our county he committed to.

I learned really quickly about the comradery that was embedded into each and every Veteran.

I learned one day they could be running drills on the tracks and the next collecting toys for Toys for Tots.

I learned about the unpredictability of being a military spouse too, almost immediately, however, the sense of pride I felt supporting my husband who took his service commitment very seriously outweighed the level of unpredictability we faced.

I saw the Sailors and Marines under his charge develop from his leadership, and I am beyond proud of the man I married.

I saw him sacrifice time with his family when duty called.

I would witness the internal struggle inside him but was also in such amazement of the service and dedication he gave each and every day whether it was serving the U.S. Navy or supporting the U.S. Marines he was stationed with.

That dedication deeply embedded into his soul is his most admirable trait.

When our first son was born I felt a sense of support around our new little family I never knew.

When Jayden was diagnosed with Autism, I felt the support of so many sweep in and lead me to the services my son needed when I was emotional, scared, and clueless.

When my son had crazy episodes that resulted in many hospital stays and eventually an epilepsy diagnosis I never spent a day in the hospital without visits.

Visits from those that had served, gone to school with, or were currently serving with my husband.

Whether they were there to drop off a coffee, french fries for Jayden, or just say hello there was never a moment I was left to feel alone.

When Jaxon was born 7 weeks early, I was a nervous wreck.

I was worried about Jayden’s care and now had a baby with an unknown length of stay in the NICU. I didn't know how we would manage through that very difficult time.

But the Navy swooped in and made sure my husband had temporary orders to the NICU for the length of Jaxon’s NICU stay, and plenty of appropriate childcare options for Jayden at the hospital Jaxon was admitted to.

The Navy even arranged a room at The Fisher House at the hospital so I never had to leave the hospital with my newborn in the NICU.

I will never be able to express my gratitude to those who were there for my family.

I thought I had experienced comradery through friendships and team sports but when we were deep in the trenches the Marines and Sailors that served alongside my husband showed me the true definition.

Even retired if there is a Chief in need the retired and active service members come together to show support in a way that still leaves me speechless in a state of pure admiration.

I am honored to be married to a Veteran who served his country for 20 years.

A Veteran that sacrificed so much for our country.

A Veteran that deployed days after his first child was born to the unknown after the attacks against our country on September 11, 2001.

A Veteran who took pride in his role.

A Veteran many look up to.

A Veteran who thought little of his personal sacrifices if it could help or serve others.

A Veteran that served his country through some very difficult personal situations.

A Veteran whose career today still aims to serve other Veterans.

A Veteran who showed me what Veteran’s Day is truly about.

Thank you, Jeremy, for your Service.