This may not be real encouraging to Tracey's famliy, but Tracey might as well know how it tends to work.
The first three months or so here are an adjustment phase and can be tough.
When it comes near the end of that first year, he'll be so excited about getting home.
After a couple of weeks home, he will have a burning desire to come back. (I'm not kidding.) I can't explain why that is, but it has happened to virtually everyone I have known who has come to this place, military and civilian alike.
Allegra, I'm sure Tracey will benefit from your words of experience. Thanks.