The time is 19:27 (7:27 pm) Central time and I'm on a mini excursion in St. Peter, Missouri. It was a weekend plan to meet up with a couple of girl friends - whom I deem as my "sisters-in-arms." One was undergoing some cosmetic surgery so we rallied together not only to be her support system, but also to help her get situated after surgery.
This was not just a weekend getaway on a whim, but also in the continuance of camaraderie - of what we call the "Sisterhood," or in the most common term, "Brotherhood." We haven't known each other long. As a matter of fact, we met by way of our counselor who coordinates our support group centered around women veterans who have a history with Post-Traumatic Stress and/or Military Sexual Trauma. It took one meeting to create the bond we have and now we are sisters-in-arms forever.
In the military community, the sisterhood or brotherhood is defined by the companionship and bond of one's "Battle Buddy" on the left and the right. When we are in a hostile environment or off-duty and out somewhere "on the town," we are paired with another for shared accountability, teamwork, safety and conduct. It is known as "The Buddy System." We always go out by two or more. It is a connection that spans the test of time and space. It is a bond that is only understood by those who have served.
We might have put away our uniforms, but the discipline, training, deployments, experiences, lifestyle and memories are with us forever.
In this manner - as three women bonded together in the camaraderie of our shared service to the oath we had sworn by so many years ago, we continue to stand by our values and the love we have for one another, for our nation, for our families and for the flag.
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