Going the distance ...

I'm so happy for you, happy that you finally found a guy who seems to be worthy of the wonderful woman that you are!  Unfortunately, I don't have any experience in long distance relationships, but I do happen to be dating a man in the military, he's actually in the Navy, and right now he's on shore duty, but next August, he'll be back on ship duty and I know it's going to be hard for both of us when he's deployed.  This is my first serious relationship, and also my first relationship with someone in the military and while we've only been together seven months, it feels like I've know him forever.  He's caring, funny, honest, respectful and most importantly, he loves me.  We had a great connection from our first date, like we'd known each other in a past life or something, it was that strong. Anyway, I'm getting off topic here, what I want to say is that since you both know that it's going to be difficult but you both are willing to make it work, I think that's the most important thing, knowing what it takes to make it last and being committed to one another.  It won't be easy, but nothing worth it ever is.  Just have faith that things will work out for the best, that's my wish for you.