It's hard to believe that it's been over 17 years since I was wheeled through the doors of LRMC (Landstuhl Regional Medical Center). LRMC, the one-stop shop for those of us coming out of Iraq and Afghanistan seeking medical care. Time has a way of flying by, doesn't it?

I didn't quite know how I would feel returning here. Heather, ever the thoughtful soul, asked me if being back would trigger my PTSD. I have to admit, I felt a lump in my throat at the thought, but I hoped I'd find the strength to get through it.

For some, it might not seem like much, but being here brought back memories that still feel vivid in my mind, yet also distant, like a lifetime ago.

As we passed through those gates and made our way to the coffee shop (because coffee truly does make everything better), we eventually located the wing I was in. I couldn't help but snap a photo in front of where my room used to be, now part of a gift shop. But, across the hall, there's a Burger King now. Funny how things change—I would've loved some BK back then!

We even found the dining hall where I shared a few meals during my week-long stay. And we ventured through the Emergency room section where I was brought in. To be honest, I don't remember much from my time there, but I vividly recall the trees outside. 

The last photo I took before leaving Iraq was one from that stretcher. All the other pictures in this post were from today's visit.

One of the most cherished memories from my time at LRMC is how the base had an incredible Family Support system that took care of us soldiers and airmen coming from downrange. It meant the world. The unit even gave each of us $250 to spend at the Ramstein AFB Exchange. When we left for downrange, we didn't bring much in the way of personal items, so that money allowed us to buy some civilian clothes and essentials we needed.

Again, it might not sound like much, but after serving during Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, it gave us a small piece of home, a piece of normalcy.

To all the incredible men and women who served and are serving, I want to say thank you. Thank you for the memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. You all truly make the difference!

Even though my time at LRMC wasn't the brightest chapter in my military career, it's still an integral part of my journey during those 25 years of service.

God Bless America and all the troops who continue to defend her today and always!