How did you prioritize career, SMs and family? Did it work?

I've done it through spending time with my family; vacations home also do a lot of good COL Lee Flemming.

Unfortunately I often put the Army ahead of my family. I got through it and am still married after 33 years and all my kids are grown and seem to like me, but..... there was a lot I missed i probably could have seen if I was not so wrapped up in everything Army. I once told my wife without thinking about it that I wished I could sleep in my shop so I wouldn't have to waste time traveling back and forth and the rest. She just looked at me and said "uh-huh" I then listened to what I had just said. Not the brightest thing to say to a woman who was already raising three kids basically be herself.

First of all, a Family must be capable of the lifestyle that the Military presents. Only when the Family accepts this lifestyle can a Service Member pursue a career. Once a Service Member knows that he or she has that backing they can begin to learn the balance required for all aspects of life. Make no mistake, the Military must come first! Duty, Honor, Country cannot be achieved otherwise. You can balance Faith, Family and pursue education to support the after life but realize all of this must be weighed around the fact that Service Members are available 24/7!

Thank you for your service!!!