This morning while I’m heading off to work, he’s making last-minute checks on his gear, his military-issued weapon and Facebook. His commanding officers are probably yelling at his platoon for one thing or another. I’d be willing to bet that he’s cracking jokes. He may even be wearing a pair of white Ray-Ban sunglasses that he so infamously sports.

This morning my friend Michael, also known as San Diego MSA, MSA, etc. is spending his last few minutes in the United States before shipping out to one of the most dangerous war zones in the world. Seven months of limited connectivity, long work days, MREs, and most importantly, incredible danger. Watching my older brother serve two deployments in the middle East has given me a new perspective on the war. Now, I don’t just pray for a return- I pray for safety from mortars, sporadic gunfire, IEDs, and peace of mind.

By the time you read this, he’ll probably already be on the bus to the airport, where he’ll walk with his head held high onto a plane that will fly him half-way around the world to be the best defensive line this country has. The few, the proud, the Marines.

This photo, courtesy of Mike Lesnick, is from my wedding. Michael flew from San Diego to be there with us, and he was clearly one of the best dressed there. It was comforting to have a Marine present, sort of as representation for my older brother who was serving in Afghanistan at the time.

Happy Wednesday, my friends.