I have a friend who is extraordinary. She is beautiful and wise and among the strongest women I've ever known. She is my sweet friend, a trusted confidante, a tried-and-true battle buddy. Together we have laughed and cried and worried and prayed and then somehow managed to laugh again. We spent only two years together in the same physical location but some people, and some events, simply bond you for a lifetime. I want to tell you her story. I first met my friend when our husbands were both assigned to the same unit. The unit trained and deployed together, leaving spouses behind to support and encourage one another through the separation. And we did. We planned family nights, hosted fundraisers, sent packages and banners to our Soldiers, watched each other's kids, enjoyed ladies' night dinners, and anxiously awaited the return of our heroes. We welcomed our heroes home and enjoyed the thrill of a unit reunited. We continued to bond...