Our Deployment Story

​This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #HonoringOurHeroes #CollectiveBias

​Probably one of the top worst things a military couple could go through, but at the same time it is one of the best. I have only briefly discussed James’ deployment and the story of it so I thought it would be a great time to tell the full story.

November 2013, James and I met for the first time. There was an instant spark and while we just started off being friends, I quickly knew I wanted to be with him for the rest of my life. The reason our lives even crossed paths though, was because James was predeployment training in Ft. Hood. I saw him only a handful of times before we had to say goodbye. To say this was challenging would be an understatement! Who would have thought I would meet my future husband, who I’ve waited to find all my life, and have to wait another year before I could be with him?

When he first left, I felt so heartbroken. It felt like a huge part of me was missing, which was strange since we had only just met each other. It was a blessing that his location had pretty great internet and we were able to talk and Skype more than I had expected.
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Since we were still in the stages of getting to know each other, we had tons to talk about and it was a lot of fun getting to know him. I’ll be the first to admit, relationships during deployments aren’t all lovey-dovey and sweet talk. Nor are they completely filled with feeling down and alone. It is more of a perfect harmony between the two, although I wish I could tell y’all its all sunshine and rainbows!

Towards more of the middle and end of the deployment we got into the routine of things and had each other’s schedules down. He would wake up early to talk to me in the afternoon and vice versa. It is kind of funny to remember this now, but we would leave Skype open and have each other sleeping on the other end next to us. I would open Skype on my phone and lay it next to me while I slept, or when I’d get home from school he would wake up briefly and open Skype and go back to sleep. It sounds odd I know, but I really cherished those times together and it brought me such peace knowing he was just on the other end.

Now, while he was gone I went into crazy Army girlfriend mode. I knew nothing about the military, so I was bound and determined to figure this life out. I did a ton of research, trying to remember what exactly he did, figuring out what exactly base was and had there, and I loved finding companies that supported our troops. I found a plethora of businesses and companies who love to support our troops; I seriously found myself being drawn to them. Any company I found who showed military appreciation, I wanted to buy more things through them!
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As of recent, I discovered that the Kleenex® Brand and Kroger stores are huge supporters of our armed forces. In fact, when going on our usual grocery shopping trip I walked past a display in King Soopers that reminded me how much Kleenex® Brand and Kroger love our troops.

They are currently doing a campaign, Honoring Our Heroes, where any four pack KLEENEX® BUNDLE PACK® Tissues box bought at a Kroger store, they will donate one to the USO. They are so handy for when you are feeling down, which is bound to happen, you have a Kleenex® Brand box you can reach for. And, you could send a pack to your loved one in a care package!

The USO is a huge blessing to military families, and I remember James going to one while he was waiting for his flight to leave. I thought that was such a cool unknown thing that existed in airports and now after being in some, I know what a great thing the Kleenex® Brand and Kroger stores are doing. I’ve seen a ton of armed forces men and women in the USO hubs, and to have brands like Kleenex showing their support warms my heart! 

​James is absolutely my hero, and I cannot imagine my life without him. There is such a cute quote that says “Some Heroes Wear Capes… Mine Wears Combat Boots”. And it is so true! I am so inspired and amazed by James and what he has done for our country.

Thank you to everyone who supports our troops, because without such a supportive community, I don’t know if they could do what they do! So, when you buy a Kleenex® Facial Tissue 4-pack bundle from your local King Soopers and other Kroger stores; they and Kleenex® Brand will donate one pocket pack to the USO! If you need help finding a store near you, or the products, I have them linked below! Since 2010, Kroger stores has donated more than $14 million to help USO programs, which is a lot of suppport for our 23 million veterans. If you have a hero story, Kroger is doing 13 giveaways if you socially share and tag it with #honoringourheroes. I love reading stories like this, so I really hope you share if you can! (and you can win a prize for it, so that’s a great incentive!) I hope you all have a blessed day and enjoyed this post.