That month I left active duty military after 11 years, moved my family, and got licensed in my home state to do my job. I had prepared quite a bit and had family help, but it was still a rough life transition for all of us.

By that spring when everything started to settle down and go a bit smoother, the housing crisis set in. Everything got more expensive quickly. I remember worrying I wouldn't be able to afford fuel for my long commute. I was terrified I wouldn't be able to support my family.

Somehow we held it all together, but it was a stressful fucking year. Despite all I never regretted leaving the military...it was either that or go back (again) to secure Halliburton's oil interests in Iraq.