Midst of a Military Crisis

Hey, ladies! I could really use some advice on my relationship. My boyfriend and I have been dating a little over a year now (exciting, I know!). We started dating our senior year of high school and have been together ever since. I am now in my first year of college in Virginia and he is stationed in Georgia. I've come to a bit of a dilemma... I feel the exact same way about him and everything, but I am really starting to feel like I need some change and independence. He goes out into the field with no communication for a week at a time, a lot- this isn't his fault but it makes it challenging. The main problem is that the distance is just becoming too difficult to maintain, and leaves me upset and missing him a lot. When he does visit, it's only for two-three days every couple of months. So, he's picking me up from my college next week and I'll be seeing him for three days. I haven't told him how I've been feeling yet, how I think we need to go back to being friends (something we've agreed that we will commit to since the start and will give ourselves the time to let happen). Should I mention all of this to him before I see him next week, should I wait and talk to him about it in person, or should I just cherish the time we have together and talk to him about it after (if I still feel like I need to)? I don't want to ruin the trip he's making and I honestly do want to see him very much. So I'm kinda stuck as what to do. If it's meant to be it's meant to be, but right now it's just crazy difficult. Any advice? Thanks ladies💓