November 11

It's Veteran's Day. A day where we should express our appreciation to the many brave men and women who serve our country. Many. Past, present and future. Their willingness to serve allows us to live our peaceful little lives.

So, if you see a vet, or an active duty soldier, or anyone who might fall into that category, give 'em a high five today. You owe them. Big time.

I have family members who have served in every branch of the military, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. And since my scanner is on strike, I can only share a few here.

Thanks, Dad! 

Thanks Doran! 

Thanks Carl!

And thank you Uncle Buddy. He wrote on the back of this picture "Ready for polar bears."

Nearly ALL the menfolk on my dad's side -- all the uncles and a few of the cousins.




Not pictured, but valued all the same:
Grandpa Hummel
Grandpa Lewis
BIL Paul
and hopefully I haven't forgotten any.






Also remembered today, for a different reason 
is a dear friend, Amanda.

As you can tell from the incandescent smile (and the duct tape pants), she was our kind of people. She passed away two years ago today after a car accident. Karen misses her "stylist" and friend.
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service

I've tried to keep this all on the funny side, it's kind of the point here.

A week that started out with two funerals hasn't been too funny.

And today wasn't funny at all.

A good friend who dares to follow this blog lost someone important today. He was doing his duty to his country when he was called on to give the ultimate sacrifice. It takes him away from his lovely bride of 9 months. And a family who dearly loves him. Not to mention countless others who were close to him who mourn today because he called home.

I would be truly ungrateful if I did nothing to acknowledge that sacrifice.

I grew up in a military household. Navy brat. Moved from place to place. Dad was often gone on a cruise, deployed wherever they needed him. For the first fifteen years of my life.

Living on the ship, making cassette tape recordings he would send home for us, also sending dolls for my collection from exotic ports. We would send crayon drawings and macaroni artwork. I vividly recall his homecoming from Vietnam. I wasn't old enough to understand why my mother cried when he arrived. I was just happy. I never doubted that he would come home. I didn't know better.

My sister's dear husband is in the Air Force. Twice he has gone to Iraq. And has twice been returned safely to his family. What an amazing blessing that is. So many, too many, don't come home.

Chief Warrant Officer Matthew Wagstaff, the least I can say is I thank you for your service. To his lovely wife, Tiffany, I re-read your deployment blog tonight and cried with you. To dear AmandaW,  I wish there was something more that I could contribute than these words: I'm so deeply sorry for your loss.

If you're a praying person, reading this today, please put a word in for this family? And for all our servicemen and women as they stand between us and the untold dangers of this world.
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