In 2008, I was deployed to the Middle East, and was stationed at Ali Al Salem Air Base. Although we weren't in combat, the work was stressful. We all kept long hours, and operated on little sleep. The pressure, combined with the inherently surreal atmosphere of the situation, were taking their toll on us all.

One night, I was standing outside our command tent, going over customs documents for the thousandth time, and one of my fellow petty officers walked up. He looked as bad as I felt. He had huge bags under his bloodshot eyes, and he was slouching with fatigue. He took a brief moment to compose himself and, I don't know what prompted me, I put my arms out. He did the same and, for a few seconds, we hugged. There was nothing sexual in it, it was just two exhausted and frustrated guys sharing a moment of support.

We broke the hug and started talking about work like nothing had happened. We never discussed it, but it meant a lot to me then, as it does now.

Far too often it seems that we feel that we have to stand alone and pretend to be invulnerable. We don't talk about being stressed or tired, and we act as if we always have to go it alone. We man up, and soldier on. Is it any wonder that men have such high rates of suicide, depression, and substance abuse?

I think we can all do a better job of looking out for and supporting one another.

EDIT: I'm also open to stories of a time you were there for another guy. All respect, we need a lot more of that.