I am fortunate to belong to an amazing group of long distance friends. It’s like a tribe that has built itself up over the years, and it’s still going strong.
To be clear, it’s not a base or unit clique. No, the tribe emerges after the moving of its members. When the reality of actually keeping in touch comes into play. Earnest communication, purposeful visits. Seeking the others out for communication and support.
Our dream assignment would reunite us all together again. While living in the same areas, we helped each other through the light and the dark and didn’t make the false promise at PCS time of staying in touch. We meant it, and we show it. I love knowing the gals in my tribe!
A couple of my tribe friends did a late night three-way phone chat with me recently from one continent to another, one state to another. I can smile because the ‘crisis’ that brought us together was a magnified fly of a problem, but they didn’t point that out to me. They were just there. We laughed over the past, caught up on the present and made plans for the future.
I was able to be that voice of support today for another tribe member in a crazy ‘only in military life’ situation. There’s something about the familiarity that makes it like talking to a close relative.
We haven’t been as fortunate at our latest base to grow as close to people like we have at other duty stations but it’s comforting to know that those tried and true friends are a trip, e-mail, Facebook message, or phone call away.
Do you still keep in touch with your "tribe" after you move away from one another?
