Hey Iowans, My Best Friend Just Did Something Pretty Cool

This dude right here is one of those friends you're proud to have in your life. He's been my friend for over 20+ years and he just accomplished something pretty damn cool. I'm so proud of this Air Force Veteran that I feel like I have to share this news with someone. At one point, I grew my hair out really long and it all started over a bet, with this guy.

I met Nic in the 6th grade when we attended Sandburg Middle School. It's kind of crazy to think back to those days and that's where our friendship began. It seems so long ago and yet, I still remember it like it was yesterday. We had classes together, played on the basketball team together, ate lunch together...pretty much basic middle school kids stuff.

We went to the same high school and like most people, that's when our friendship grew tremendously. When you get your license and gain a bit of independence, it's a bit easier to hang out and go do things together. Somehow both of our parents survived all of the shenanigans we put them through and we've been pretty dang close ever since.

After high school, I headed to Winona State University and Nic joined the Air Force. Before Nic headed to the military, he basically stayed in my dorm room with me for about 3 weeks before he headed off on his military career. That was the last time Nic and I could say we lived in the same state. That was also the last time Nic and I could say we lived within 1,000 miles of each other.

Nic has traveled all over the country for his military career and somehow, we never really grew apart at all. He spent time in Mountain Home, Idaho, where I flew out to visit him and experience my first time on a military base!

He's spent time in England, South Korea, and Texas. After traveling around the globe for his job, he is now pretty settled in the state of Utah and has since become a part of the Army. He told me the Air Force was "too easy and needed a bigger challenge..."That's a direct quote, by the way, I'm not making that up.

He bought his first house earlier this year with his now fiance Rachel and whether she was ready or not, Rachel has officially joined this duo and I couldn't be happier that Nic has her in his life.

She puts up with Nic and me talking on the phone and on Facetiming, pretty much on a daily basis and I love her for that. I'm really happy they found each other. She's made Nic's life complete in certain ways and she's someone I'd take a backseat for in our friendship. It should be like that and I love her for being my best friend's, best friend.

Despite all of the tremendous things Nic has accomplished in his life, this is one of the things I'm the most proud of him for. He called me yesterday to let me know he had finished getting his associate's degree.

It takes an incredible amount of courage to go back to school, especially after 10+ years of not being in school. After talking to Nic yesterday, he downplayed it a little bit and said he still has some more work to do but I didn't see it that way. It's hard to restart doing something after that amount of time has passed but that didn't stop Nic. He did it!

Nic is going to school and majoring in Political Science with an emphasis in Public Policy. I barely understand what any of that means and my best friend is learning to be an expert...Which pretty much sums up our friendship.

I'm so proud of him and I'm pretty excited to see what happens next. Despite living thousands of miles away for the past 14 years, we've always made it a point to see each other almost every year. We don't always make it work but we've done a pretty good job so far. I'll get to see him for the first time this year in September when I get married.

Nic, don't ever change. If you read this, I know you'll hate it but I love you and I'm proud of you. See you soon brother and congratulations!

P.S. I'm still mad The Amazing Race TV show never got back to us...