Hey fellow sister in arms. I couldn't agree with you more. This was beautifully expressed. My husband's still in, and I was medically retired. His family actually told my mother "What did SHE do?" as though I did nothing special. I was the go-to person in our brigade S1. Once I was in a shop, someone would request for me, specifically, and it would be like pulling teeth to release me to transfer. Because while everyone was out fighting, I kept their careers going. I gave them that piece of mind so they could focus. My husband's family worried over my husband deploying...when I was bumped up to deploy in a month's time during the surge, and he wasn't due to fly out until four months later. But they did NOT worry over me. It was all about worrying over him. They sent HIM stuff...and he and I lived together during that deployment!! My mother and father were alone in their worry for me. Because I wasn't "doing anything, so I'll be alright" according to my husband's family, and other people that have found out that I served as well. But my husband? OMG, his family would worry day and night and not even ask to talk to me when I would stand next to him when he'd call them.
It's frustrating when your service, your story is not as interesting or appealing to others when you're a female. Because people still have that mentality that females do nothing, always are kept safe, and don't belong in the military.

But we have our own stories. We are just as important as our brothers; we do get killed...but we also get raped...not necessarily just by other Soldiers, but by the enemy as well. But...apparently, we're the real silent warriors. Because no one but our own families gives a crap.

I feel your frustration through this piece...and although I hated saying it, I'll type it here: "Hooah!"