The work involved is never-ending. The only thing harder than having a true friend is being truly married. Having family and being supportive of kin is cake. You grew up with them. You know what to expect. They know what to expect. You're on the same page.

Friends are a chosen family, which is not necessarily founded on the unconditional love one would expect to and from parents and siblings. This is where the work is found. Fortunately, most of this work is of the enjoyable sort, with each getting to know the other -- doing favors, meeting for lunches, sharing in a neighborly cookout. Finding and sharing in a page in The Book.

In Infantry, you can go through any doorway, because you know you're not alone. I've worked with people who were not my friends, but we always had each other's back, just as we would a friend. Anything less would sacrifice the respect I have enjoyed from others and handed right back. We're doing a job -- and we're on the same page.

Bravo Team, move out! We've got your back!