Hey Russell, I really appreciated this share. Some moments really stood out to me. That moment when someone asks you a simple question and you realize you can't answer it, and the moment when you realize you have little to nothing in common with people from your past. Both are alienating and both are lonely. I was in Iraq in 09 and Afghanistan in 12. I appreciate what you're talking about, and it's always good to know the military brotherhood is well and alive on Medium. Be well, my friend! -R