by John C Moritz

AUSTIN – When Anne Marie Torres’ 16-year-old daughter was getting ready for her first date, Torres wasn’t there to tell her how pretty she looked. And Torres couldn’t offer a hug and whisper the things a mom advises a teenage girl about the things that occupy the mind of a teenage boy.

While her daughter was preparing for the night she’ll likely remember forever, Torres was serving her yearlong tour in Iraq with the Army.