Thank you Veterans!!

Today is a very special day to honor the service of all the men and women in our armed forces. Without their commitment and courage, our country would not be the great country it is today. I especially pray for all those that are in harm's way protecting our freedoms. I grew up as a Navy Brat and married a Marine.....so the military will always hold a special place in my heart and in my memories. The two most important and special men in my life are both veterans and I thank them for their service. My dad is a graduate of the Naval Academy and retired as a Captain in 2003. While it was tough to move around (although we were fortunate to have very decent length duty stations)...I cherish all the people and places I got to meet and see. The longest time my dad was away from us was during the Gulf War, so we were fortunate to have him around most of the time. He continues to serve his country in the civil service world as his "retirement" job.....My hubby joined the MARINES in 1997 and enjoyed several years of traveling the world including several months in Turkey and a year in Okinawa (my place of birth). He was a flight mechanic with the air crew on the C-130s and after several trips during the Iraq War was very happy when the stop loss released him and Sergeant Hartsell was able to come to WA to get married!! (so was I....I was beginning to sweat having to cancel everything if they wouldn't let him go!) It was a special day to have him present at my dad's retirement ceremony which was a week before our wedding. I love you both and again along with all the other brave men and women (including my grandfathers...although one served his native country Belgium)...I thank you for your service every day, but especially today! We pray that God continues to keep them all safe and bring them home! Graduating Boot Camp - 1998
Flight Suit - Air Crew C130After we got engaged - 2000Dad's Retirement - 2003
Leaving for Gulf War - 1990

Dad's Retirement - 2003