9 Years Later, Don't Forget Our Troops.

I thought war was for the history books until September 11th.

I thought it was romantic watching movies like Pearl Harbor.

I never, in my wildest dreams would think any of my friends would ever be fighting in one.

I'm not sure what I thought the U.S. military did when a war wasn't going on, but when my friends and family enlisted, I wasn't too concerned.

Then my first friend headed to Iraq.

Some calls from the military hospitals later...

war was more than real; it was all that was on my mind most days.

9 years later this war goes on.

Were sending more troops and it just doesn't stop.

Timmy is among one headed over to Iraq.

His family is actually THANKFUL he is headed there and not to Afghanistan.

I'm not quite a mom yet but I can't imagine saying goodbye as my son goes to war.

I get scared thinking about all the ways my child could be killed IN MY HOUSE,

I can't imagine my child going into a hostile warzone so when Timmy's sister, Monica,

contacted me and said her mom wanted me to come get pictures at Timmy's going away party-

there was no question in my mind, I was going to do it.

God Bless Timmy, I know you will be getting tons and tons of prayers these next 14 months.

Thank you so much for serving!

Support their troops is exactly what they did. Check out these shirts Timmy's sister made.

Gary was very proud to be wearing his shirt, and even more proud of his nephew.

I have the perfect wife for this little guy. Her name is Elsie. She is precious. Call me in 25 years, I'll hook you up!

Caught ya Monica! : )

Iraq will be a cake walk after growing up with these girls.

One thing is for sure: Timmy has awesome friends and family.

Timmy's mom sent me a message today that encompasses the reason why I started doing photography. I hope she doesn't mind that I include part of what she wrote,

" Seeing the pictures of he and I help me as a mom so much you soon will understand the bond of mother and child. But when I look at the he and I ones I am taking that as my hug and kiss for the next 14 months. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

I want to include a special thank you to my friends, Ryan Skinner (Army), Robert Escobedo (Army), Tasia Berry (Army), Michael Bosworth (Army), Tony Green (Marines), Danny Barron (Navy) and Tommy Marshall (Army) (and any and everyone I missed) for all serving in our United States Military.

And a special shout out to Marine Momma Joanie Green. She was such a trooper and dedicated Marine Mom when her son served in Iraq. He went through hell and back and we are all happy to have him home for good!