We all have friends that fit into various categories within our life, those who are acquaintances, that you see or speak with periodically, social media friendships in which we communicate virtually, short-term friends, who come into our lives for a set period and life-long friends.  But there are only a handful of people in my life that I would define as having a friendship with such as the one I share with this guy.  You might even know him, as he’s somewhat of a big deal on some social media platforms, under the persona of “CADPAT HEATHEN”.   

We both grew up in the same hometown, (all be it we didn’t know each other then) and even at one point in the early parts of our careers, worked at the same naval reserve ship.  But it was only well into our careers that we became friends. One of the unique aspects of both being military men, is we know how friendship needs to work in the Army. Because we travel, get posted and must move our lives for the needs of the force.  

As I was getting posted out of CFB Borden, and down to Toronto, Brandon was just coming through the gates of the base, to call it home while posted as an image tech instructor.  But when you are good at your job, and you can do amazing things in your professional field, then you become a desirable commodity. In the world of CAF imagery and videography, he is a calliper unto of his own (he won’t tell you that, but I will).

This past week we got a chance to get together, rather than our normal weekly routine of texting and phone calls to ketch up on how life is treating us, and banter about random things.  The reason for our impromptu sushi night is that his time in Borden was short-lived, and he is now being posted to Shilo Manitoba.    Never a dull moment in his life, that is for sure. But this is going to be a great move for his career, and his family will have an amazing time seeing the prairies of Canada.  Guess this means, Jesse and I are going to see what all the hype is in Shilo these days (wait… where is that place again).

 When true lifelong friends get posted, It’s never good-bye, it’s I’ll come see you soon.