Happy Veteran's Day!

I thought today might be a good day to start a blog, and to post a photo of MY favorite veteran.

This is Tom. We've been married 34 years and 22 of those were spent with him in the Air Force. He retired in 1992 and we moved "home" to be closer to our extended family. (that had both good and bad aspects to it but that's perhaps a story for another time...) Our Air Force years, while sometimes difficult, were interesting. I love to travel and this was one way to do it! We've lived in Montana, Maryland, most of the desert areas of Southern California, Nevada, Oregon, and Ohio. Uprooting our family every few years, saying goodbye to the friends we'd made, and moving to a new place where we didn't know anyone, wasn't the easiest thing to do. It was particularly difficult for our children. Even worse, Tom spent a year away from us when he was in Korea in 1980. We were lucky, he never had to go to war, although he was part of the support system for Desert Storm. But despite the difficulties, the military was good to us. Whenever Tom had the opportunity for schooling, he took it. He went from radar repair to machinist, to electrical engineer--all on your tax dollars! Thank you, btw. For your investment, you got someone helping to protect our country and making it so you are safe in your bed at night. I think it was a pretty good deal for all. Whether or not you support the war in Iraq, it is important to support our military. The young men and women who are sometimes giving their all, to keep us safe. They are someone's child....perhaps someone's father or mother...husband or wife. They are us. But the brave and courageous "us." They deserve our support. What can you do to thank them? Today, hug a Vet. I know I'm going to.