One of the perks of being in the military is undoubtedly the friendships that you make. Whether you are in homeport or far away from home, chances are you’ll run into someone you know. I’ve been incredibly lucky during my time in Naples, Italy. Unbeknownst to me, I’ve run into more people that I know from previous assignments than I could have ever imagined. Whether it’s just eating lunch with a familiar face or new friends that you make through old ones, your circle of friends will continue to grow the longer you’re around the organization. On this trip alone, I’ve strengthened old friendships and made new ones. Friends who I just met took me into their home, gave me a place of respite away from the base and showed me a true Neapolitan experience. I’m reminded every day how great my friends are and how, when the time comes, there’s always someone there to lend a helping hand, offer a bed to sleep in or a ride to the airport.
As I cross my fingers and hope that both of my flights out of Italy take off, I look back on the past three weeks and feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to come and not only see Italy, but do a little work and reconnect with friends. But, I’m ready to head home press forward with life!
