Michigan Iraq Veterans

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4 Comments

Comment by Elizabeth Edwards on October 24, 2008 at 12:25pm

Carrie,
I'm not in the military. I'm only in this group because I interviewed Michelle (she is the one pictured above) for a story for Traverse Magazine. I was bowled over at the way we have seemed to have forgotten about our veterans. I got so many emails from people who had known Michelle in the military but lost track of her that I thought there might be a need for something like this. Please, feel free to invite your military friends.

Comment by Carrie A. Perez on October 24, 2008 at 11:47am

Lissa, I haven't met Michelle. I don't see her on here, but it is amazing just how many veterans are in Michigan, but many so humble that you have no idea and it is hard sometimes to spot the women because it is not as typical.

Yes, that is our son, Owen in the picture-that's us playing at the Torch Lake Day park down the street from our house a week or so ago. Thanks for the compliment! We think he is pretty cute. He (and our future children) is the reason why I did not stay in the military. I have seen children whose parents both had to leave at the same time and it is already hard enough when one must leave. We have been fortunate that Rick, my husband was only gone before he was born-opnce while I was pregnant. We are hoping he won't have to go back, since he went voluntarily the past two times, but you just never know-I am sure you can relate.
How long have you been in and what do/did you do? It is great to meet you.

Comment by Elizabeth Edwards on October 24, 2008 at 10:27am

Carrie,
Thanks for writing. Have you met/corresponded with Michelle Rudzitis? She's the incredible woman who alerted me to the other incredible veterans we have in Michigan--I'm honored to comment in this group.

Is that your son in the photo? He's darling. I can't imagine the sacrifices it would take to raise children when one or both parents are in the military. Will your husband have to go back to Iraq?

Comment by Carrie A. Perez on October 24, 2008 at 10:18am

Hi Lissa! I am an Air Force and MI Air Guard Vet. I was in for 9 years-got out in 2006, but my husband is still in the MI Air NAt'l Guard as an F-16 Crew Chief. He has been to Iraq twice. I was active for the beginning of the Iraqi Freedom but was stateside-at Selfridge. I was in Saudi in 2000 while Active duty, but anyway, thought I'd say hi! I just joined My North and I hope you can grow your group. It's always cool to meet other women vets as there are not as many of us as the guys.