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Bronze Star recipient Capt. Carl Close and his wife, Kara, walk off stage after a medal ceremony Monday afternoon recognizing the captain’s efforts in Kandahar Afghanistan. Kara stayed behind during the year he was deployed to Afghanistan, a hardship many military families endure during today’s high operations tempo. “A year is a long time,” said Captain Close during his ceremony speech. “I thank my wife for being here.” The captain’s father, visiting from North Carolina, also attended the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo / Airman 1st Class Melissa Barnett)