They are strong. Their stamina borders the unnatural. Their squared off jaw, broad shoulders, and fierce stare streamlines into uniform perfection, even at 2:45 in the morning. They are US Marine Drill Instructors, AKA HATS.

With a raspy voice and unwavering determination they make Marines.  Intimidating?? Hell yes, at first anyway.

Over the past few years, I have worked so closely with this rare breed. Oh the stories I could tell (and plan on doing so) about my time with this lively bunch.

Many of them have bought and sold homes from me during their time on the drill field. I have been fortunate enough to have known many from the day they graduated until the day they finished their tour.

For some of them, I was the only person they knew. Working 150 hours a week doesn't leave much time for making new friends.

I have tremendous respect for these selfless marvels. They are nothing short of amazing; however, they are human.

Several of them have fallen asleep in my car, a few have fallen asleep inside homes we were viewing.

They have called me in the middle of the night (time has no meaning) asking me to make an emergency Liquid Starch run.

Now, that took a bit of explaining, but I did it just the same. I can navigate Parris Island (once so foreign to me) with my eyes closed!

I cook for them and when there is no time for cooking, the young lady at McDonald's knows me by name.

"Ms. Cherimie are you getting cheeseburgers for the Hats again?".

Yes, Melody...load me up.

Often they don't get to go home during their first cycle. Some of them try desperately to maintain relationships with the outside world. Girlfriends and family in different states, no easy feat.

I am also their emergency cell phone charger supply person.  Somehow these fiercly focused gentlemen can't keep up with a charger to save their life.

I am their link to the outside world. After three years, I speak Drill Instructornese. Who saw that one coming??? Not me.

They began as my clients, they morphed into my friends, and now they are forever my heroes. We are the quintessential odd couple.

Just another day at the office:).