Although its not as severe, Richard lived halfway across the country until a year ago. We only saw eachother in person once a year for a month or 2.
Again, its comparing apples to oranges, but maybe it'll make you feel better knowning that love lasts through any kind of separation and distance! If you think he's the one then hold onto him for as long as you can.

A year goes by pretty fast if you think about it. I think he's very brave for serving and you're very strong for loving him :)