I attended a graduation party tonight held on an air force base. For the first time I managed to self talk for a few days prior to the party. My inner dialogue reminded yes, there would be uniforms....yes, there would be guns visible...yes, commands or searches might conducted, but the people were doing a job to not only keep me safe, but an entire country. Along with visiting base, the graduate's father was a police officer as well ( another trigger for me). I pulled up to the military gate and stopped. A nice soldier greeted me kindly and asked for ID. As it turned out, I was at wrong gate. He commanded me to stay put while he walked down middle of the road. I did as I was told. He then directed me to the visitor center outside of gates. I went inside and witnessed two more soldiers assisting people and being reassuring to an older lady. I was able to let my guard down a little and actually took time to notice things while not hyper to everything. I remember thinking how grateful I am to the military people and families who sacrifice so much and thankful the men and women assisting today were so kind.