Hello Jessica. Oopss.. sorry, I joined the group bcuz I had to in order to respond to your post. I do have 3 cousins in the marines, though (two are actually out now. One served his full term and the other was injured and is an only son) 1 went to Iraq and the other has been to surrounding countries. We were not happy they joined the military (as 2 did right After 9-11) however we were proud (Contradicting? I dont think so, I think u just get mixed emotions as I'm sure u know w/ ur husband)