15 Years of War: How the Longest War in U. S. History Affected a Military Family in Love, Loss, and the Cost of Service

"First-time author Schellhaas presents a moving memoir of her life with her husband, Ross . . . after [he] is deployed to Iraq after the events of 9/11." — Publishers Weekly Less than 1 percent of our nation will ever serve in our armed forces, leaving many to wonder what life is really like for military families. He answers the call of duty in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Pacific; she keeps the home fires burning. Worlds apart, and in the face of indescribable grief, their relationship is pushed to the limits. 15 Years of War provides a unique he said/she said perspective on coping with war in modern-day America. It reveals a true account of how a dedicated Marine and his equally committed spouse faced unfathomable challenges and achieved triumph, from the days just before 9/11 through fifteen years of training workups, deployments, and other separations. This story of faith, love, and resilience offers insight into how a decade and a half of war has redefined what it means to be a military family. "[A] tough-minded but open-hearted memoir . . . a frank description of what it takes for a spouse and family to support a soldier. The Schellhaases' story is deeply personal and unique, but it will resonate with other families, both civilian and military." — Foreword Magazine "Kristine Schellhaas is a beautiful and transcendent voice of truth and consequence, and her memoir, 15 Years of War , should be required reading for every American who wants to understand just exactly what they have asked of the chosen 1 [percent]." —Angela Ricketts, author of No Man's War: Irreverent Confession of an Infantry Wife Off to great places Reality check Back to his roots Waiting is the hardest part The adventure begins Sun on my face, song in my heart He put a ring on it The hills are alive with the sound of marines Going to the chapel Go forth boldly If you can't be safe, be deadly This is war Freedom isn't free Down with the sickness Going back to cali Keep calm and aloha on Together is a wonderful place to be Creating a new destiny A beautiful gift Into the fire Seeds of friendship Weeds in the garden Calling in reinforcements Monster-in-law Darkest before the dawn Happiness is homemade Pain is baby leaving the body Back to the grind Double the diapers, double the fun In a van down by the river Discovering rock bottom Stranded in the desert The cost of imperfection Broken crayons still color No distance is too far War torn Afghanistan and the Taliban The best way out is through War pigs Let go or be dragged Every picture tells a story They sicken of the calm, who knew the storm Turning the page Girl: a giggle with glitter on it Smile because it happened Grab a straw-because you suck Hey I just met you and this is crazy. But she's my momma and I'm your baby Be brave enough to start a conversation that matters Don't look back "you're not "going that way: Create the thing that you wish existed Let the wild rumpus begin Let's meet in our dreams These sweatpants are the only thing that fit me now The girl who smiles when her heart is broken A rainbow of chaos Run wild my child Hold the vision, trust the process The secret to getting ahead is getting started Courage, dear heart Be the voice for those who cannot speak Purpose and a plan There's no education like adversity. **"First-time author Schellhaas presents a moving memoir of her life with her husband, Ross . . . after [he] is deployed to Iraq after the events of 9/11." —__Publishers Weekly__** Less than 1 percent of our nation will ever serve in our armed forces, leaving many to wonder what life is really like for military families. He answers the call of duty in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Pacific; she keeps the home fires burning. Worlds apart, and in the face of indescribable grief, their relationship is pushed to the limits.__15 Years of War__ This story of faith, love, and resilience offers insight into how a decade and a half of war has redefined what it means to be a military family. "[A] tough-minded but open-hearted memoir . . . a frank description of what it takes for a spouse and family to support a soldier. The Schellhaases' story is deeply personal and unique, but it will resonate with other families, both civilian and military." — "Kristine Schellhaas is a beautiful and transcendent voice of truth and consequence, and her memoir, , should be required reading for every American who wants to understand just exactly what they have asked of the chosen 1 [percent]." —Angela Ricketts, author of "Less than 1% of our nation will ever serve in our armed forces, leaving many to wonder what life is really like for military families. He answers the call of duty in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Pacific; she keeps the home fires burning. Worlds apart, and in the face of indescribable grief, their relationship is pushed to the limits. 15 Years of War: How the Longest War in U.S. History Affected a Military Family in Love, Loss, and the Cost Of Service provides a unique he said/she said perspective on coping with war in modern-day America. It reveals a true account of how a dedicated Marine and his equally committed spouse faced unfathomable challenges and achieved triumph, from the days just before 9/11 through 15 years of training workups, deployments, and other separations. This story of faith, love, and resilience offers insight into how a decade and a half of war has redefined what it means to be a military family."--Provided by publisher.

Less than 1% of our nation will ever serve in our armed forces, leaving many to wonder what life is really like for military families.He answers the call of duty in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Pacific; she keeps the home fires burning. Worlds apart, and in the face of indescribable grief, their relationship is pushed to the limits.15 Years of War: How the Longest War in US History Affected a Military Family in Love, Loss, and the Cost Of Service provides a unique he said/she said perspective on coping with war in modern-day America. It reveals a true account of how a dedicated Marine and his equally committed spouse faced unfathomable challenges and achieved triumph, from the days just before 9/11 through 15 years of training workups, deployments, and other separations.This story of faith, love, and resilience offers insight into how a decade and a half of war has redefined what it means to be a military family.