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Health & Fitness

Ooh-rah! Deployed for the 5th Time

In 1994, my brother in law Peter Brasil, made the ultimate sacrifice, and joined the US Marines. Even at age 13, we all new he was destined for the Marines.

In 1994, my brother-in-law Peter Brasil, made a huge sacrifice, and joined the U.S. Marine Corps. Even at age 13, we all new he was destined to be a Marine. His room was set up like a barracks. A foot locker at the foot of his bed, you could even bounce a quarter off of his made bed.

Peter, an Attleboro native who graduated Attleboro High in 1994, started his career with his first stop at Parris Island. After he finished basic training, he was stationed in Camp Leguene for five years before he deceided to go back to Parris Island as a Drill Sergeant. He was perfect for that job. There were many times we‘d call and get a raspy voice at the other end of the phone. But he loved his job. Over the course of his 17 year career in the marines he has changed his position 3 times. Unfortunately with each change, he ran the risk of being deployed with a new unit.

He has been deployed overseas five times now. Stationed in Afghanistan right now, he is missing his 13-year-old daughter, Celina and his wonderful wife, Veronica. Over the years he has missed the birth of his daughter, many birthdays, and special memories. He says that is the hardest part about the job, being away from his family.

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"Without the support of the family this job would not be possible," he said in an e-mail to me today. "Veronica has to be mom and dad when I’m gone six months at a time. "The hardest thing for me is being away from them."

It’s hard for me to be home with my kids watching them grow up and being a part of every minute of their lives. But, then when I realize a member of my family is across the world and away from his own child I think differently about it.

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Over the years Peter has earned personal awards that include a Bronze Star Medal (Meritorious Service), two Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Army Achievement Medal and a Combat Action Ribbon. He says that combat duty hasn’t been so bad this time around, much like the second and third tour. He has even named the base "Camp Cupcake." Because of the USO, they have great food and they have coffee shops available to them.

"The USO is an awesome organization and they take care of us out here," he wrote. "Actually heading over there to pick out a book."

My brother in-law doesn't like to think of himself as a hero, he thinks he is just doing his job. He says the real heroes are the 19 and 20-year-old kids with a whole life ahead of them. Every time they search a house or even drive on those roads they are risking their lives. But, he is my hero and we love him for all that he does to protect our family.

Peter misses the simple things while he's away too.

"I also miss riding my Harley," he wrote. "The riding season is year-round there in Arizona. Out of 17 ½ years of service I’ve spent almost 4 years out of the country. There have been fun times and miserable times also. Whoever said that 'combat duty was mostly boredom interrupted by sheer terror' was a genius."

Peter is not the only member of our family that is serving or has served our country. My Aunt Robin, is a nurse and has raised four kids all while serving in the U.S. Army. Currently she is the Wamsutta Middle School nurse. Uncle Tom, has been to Vietnam, and Afghanistan fighting for our freedom, and is currently retired. Two of my cousins have also joined the cause. Craig and Tommy have been in for almost two years now.

My husband Bob and I are all so proud of our family. We feel the best way to honor our family is to teach our three children to respect our military. Whether it’s our past military or our current servers. They all deserve our respect and gratitude. The next time you hug your child or wipe away their tears, think of how many children don’t get those hugs or haven’t gotten their tears kissed away because they have a parent serving in the military.

The next time you hug your child, please take a minute and share your appreciation for the world we live in and the people that protect that way of life. I am proud to be an American and I hope you are too!!

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