In February 2009, Obama issued a statement to the public implementing his plan to end the war and eventually see that ALL of our troops be home by the Summer of 2011. It is now Summer 2010, and the United States families are still patiently waiting for the return of their loved ones, who went off to fight a war of unknown reasons. Yes, we are still suffering with each and every second, minute, hour, day, and months that goes by and, our loved ones are not here to share it with us, but troops, who are unable to have physical contact with their families are also going through a hectic time.
Michelle Little is married to Navy sailor, Javen Little. They met in Summer 2008 and will soon be celebrating their two year anniversary. From rummaging through Mrs. Little’s photos and reading Facebook statuses, the world can see how much love Michelle and Javen have for each other. As always, when having a loved one away from you for an extensive period of time, the power of love is the only thing that’s able to heal the stress and pain from being distanced from one’s soul mate.
Read Michelle’s story.
Javen and I went to Dunbar Vocational High School together, but we never spoke until we graduated. I was working at Popeye’s and one day, he came in and saw me. But for some reason, he never spoke. Then, he sent me an email on Facebook and since then, we have been as thick as thieves.
Just imagine seeing the love of your life everyday to barely at all. The toughest part of my husband being in the navy is not only having him away from me- I’m strong. I can handle it- its having him away from our son. When Javen comes home and my son looks at him like, ‘who is this man?’ My spirit is saddened. The feeling of knowing my husband can go to war anytime the government calls him to go is an ongoing thought I am faced with everyday.
It is comforting to know that my family and I will always be financially stable but sometimes I think, I will trade all that in to wake up and have Javen by my side each and everyday. To try to take my mind off constantly missing my husband, I stay busy with my job, working out, and playing with our son, Javen Jr. But sometimes even that wears thin, and I find myself missing my husband more. Thank God for technology, though. We email each other everyday. And Skype is definitely a lifesaver.
Having my other half in the navy can get utterly depressing because when he does come home, I have to get to know my husband all over again. Everyone changes from one day to nine months, so when he does come back- we have to learn each other all over again- whether its for the good or the bad, for richer or for poorer, thru sickness and in health, till death do us part.
For any woman who is in my situation, just remember, he’ll be back always. Trust that your husband will never make a mistake to jeopardize his family. Pray! Prayer really work if nothing else does. Place your relationship in God’s hands. It’s usually over quicker than you ever thought. And please stay busy, whether playing with the kids, working out, or being around friends and family because it is very depressing situation to be placed in.
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On his birthday, March 28, 2009, Aaron Booker decided to enlist in the US Navy for approximately four years. His decision was influenced by the recession Illinois had entered along with an environmental change. Although, the Navy may present many opportunities into a sailor’s life, nothing satisfies Aaron more than being able to travel around the world. “The best part of being in the Navy is the opportunity to see the world from a perspective most people never see; and sometimes may never want to.” Aaron goes on to state he has witnessed poverty at its worst, helped hunger-stricken families, participated in rescuing families from the sudden death due to disease and famine. However, the world truly does not understand the Navy’s role in keeping peace across the nations. The world watches television and movies and assume the Navy merely fights to keep peace amongst the waters. But that’s only a minute look inside the life of a Gunners Mate. The navy not only fights for peace on water, but land and air. Aaron passionately states, “The navy goes beyond just battleships. We are involved in things like the Haiti relief after the earthquake recently. Providing food and shelter to those in need. We also play a role in providing services to our allies around the world whether it be refueling a South Korean ship in the middle of the Arabian Sea or dropping supplies via helicopter to our brothers in Afghanistan.” But the world doesn’t see that in the fantasies created within the television.
Although, Aaron holds a great responsibility inside the Navy, traveling the world, and promoting peace amongst nations, he has suffered many shortcomings from being in the navy. Yet, has also gained. He laughingly says, “I’ve had to leave my life behind as a money-making bachelor earning $60,000 a year to joining an organization that pays $18,000. Along with that, leaving behind all the things I’ve worked to obtain. But most importantly, sacrificing availability to my family.” Aaron is engaged to a beautiful woman who supports him wholeheartedly while he is away. When they are unable to communicate, she sends photos, letters, emails etc. Although, Aaron says there’s nothing like a care package. Having his fiancee’ and family’s support reminds Aaron of just how important his position is. It gives him a sense of purpose.
I may have created a brief and happy perspective inside the navy but Aaron did not hesitate to explain, everything isn’t just peaches and cream. Sometimes, family support isn’t enough. Nor, does his important duties keep him warm at night. So, when the stress of being in the navy bares down on him, he gets through those times by working out, writing poetry, drawing pictures, or having a night out with the comrades.
His last statements he wanted to share with those who are waiting for a soldier to arrive home, “For any loved one who is waiting for a soldier, sailor, or marine to come home, just know that there's no place in the world that man or woman would rather be than right at home with you so keep them uplifted and send care packages. We love those. The best thing you can do is be there when they need you.”
Upon ending his term in navy, Aaron Booker, “…plans to take advantage of the benefits I've earned. I plan to be a full time student for a while and work toward a PhD. Ironically the field I want to work in has nothing to do with what I do here in the military. I would like to study applied psychology. At the same time, I plan to have a family of my own to love and support.”
(Gunners Mate position focuses on the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Naval guns, missile launchers, and basic explosives. They go through rigorous training for guidance and tracking systems, small arms, naval ammunition classification, and safety.)
