Lest we forget

I don't want to repeat what I wrote last year, but I do feel that I need to write something today. Remembrance Day is very near and dear to my heart. For this post, I want to echo the words Pres. Obama spoke at the memorial service for the victims of the Fort Hood, Texas shooting:

"For those families who have lost a loved one, no words can fill the void that's been left. We knew these men and women as soldiers and caregivers. You knew them as mothers and fathers; sons and daughters; sisters and brothers. But here is what you must also know: Your loved ones endure through the life of our nation. Their memory will be honored in the places they lived and by the people they touched. Their life's work is our security, and the freedom that we all too often take for granted. Every evening that the sun sets on a tranquil town; every dawn that a flag is unfurled; every moment that an American enjoys life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness -- that is their legacy. (emphasis added)

Tomorrow is Veterans Day. It's a chance to pause, and to pay tribute -- for students to learn the struggles that preceded them; for families to honor the service of parents and grandparents; for citizens to reflect upon the sacrifices that have been made in pursuit of a more perfect union. For history is filled with heroes. You may remember the stories of a grandfather who marched across Europe; an uncle who fought in Vietnam; a sister who served in the Gulf. But as we honor the many generations who have served, all of us -- every single American -- must acknowledge that this generation has more than proved itself the equal of those who've come before. "

Please take the time to think about those who have given their lives for the cause of peace. Take time to thank a veteran. Take time to pray for those still serving. May we always remember. May we never forget.

Stupid birds!

Today as we pulled into our parking spot after returning from San Antonio, I glanced up at our balcony to see how my tomato plant was doing. I could see that one of the tomatoes had turned red while we were gone. I was so excited! I ran up the stairs, quickly opened the front door and sprinted to the balcony. I couldn't wait to see how red the tomato was and to see if it was ready to be picked.
This is what I found:

It seems to me that a bird or two decided that the tomato looked delicious and decided to eat it. I almost cried. I nearly demanded that Husband go purchase a BB gun and sit on the balcony until the birds came back; but he was afraid he'd shoot his eye out. Army Ranger, my foot! If he was a real Army Ranger, he would snatch it out of air and kill it with his bare hands!

I only have 4 tomatoes left on the plant, so hopefully they will survive! I have to have something to show for my gardening efforts.

Another one in the family

Today we headed to San Antonio again. This time it was to watch our brother-in-law Chris graduate from Air Force Basic Training. He survived training in the heat of Central Texas. (Just so you know, in the month of June, 18 days were above 100 degrees F (38 degrees C)! Anyone who can go through the physical demands of Basic Training in that kind of heat is a hero is my books! I can barely make it from my apartment to the car without melting!) We are so proud to have another family member join the ranks of military service; even if it is the Air Force and not the Army (let the rivalry begin!). Congratulations Chris and good luck on you next phase of training!

Faith, trust and little pixie dust

When we moved to Central Texas earlier this year, the intent was for Husband to train to be a police officer here. The training was supposed to start in March, but it got delayed until June, which then got delayed until September. During this time, Husband and I have had the opportunity to reevaluate the course our lives should be taking. Husband is currently working on his Masters of Divinity, but only taking classes part-time. We both feel strongly that he needs to pursue his degree more aggressively by taking classes full-time. As a result, we have decide to defer his acceptance to the police academy for one year. This will allow Husband enough time pretty much complete his degree, but without completely cutting off the possibility of him becoming of a police officer. What is he going to do with a Masters of Divinity you ask? Well, right now we feel that Husband should prepare to go back to the Army as a Chaplain, and this degree prepares him to do just that. The next police training is slated to start in the fall of 2010. There is a spot for him in that class, and if after a year, we feel that we should stay here in Central Texas, and Husband should be a police officer, then he will attend that training. If not, then it will be back to the Army for us. Either way, it won't all be sorted out anytime soon. For now, we feel that God's plan is for Husband to go to school. We will take it one step at a time, praying for God's guidance every day and trusting Him to move us in the right direction.

When we are quick to judge, we must be quick to apologize

I have started to listen to the Dr. Laura show on my drive home from work. Most of the time I think that this woman is too harsh and blunt with her callers, but I guess that's what she feels she needs to do. It's her show, she can do what she wants. And I still listen...Anyway. At the beginning of her show today she shared something that moved me to tears. I have verified this on snopes.com and it is true. The following letter appeared in the Arizona Republic on June 23 2005:

Dear Editor
Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base: Whom do we thank for the morning air show? Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 a.m., a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune! Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns early bird special? Any response would be appreciated.

A few days later, this letter appeared in the same newspaper:

Regarding "A wake-up call from Luke's jets" (Letters, Thursday): On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m., a perfectly timed four-ship flyby of F-16s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt. Jeremy Fresques.
Capt. Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May30, Memorial Day. At 9 a.m. on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend. Based on the letter writer's recount of the flyby, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the President of the United States and all those veterans and servicemen and women who understand the sacrifices they have endured. A four-ship flyby is a display of respect the Air Force pays to those who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects. The letter writer asks, "Whom do we thank for the morning air show?" The 56th Fighter Wing will call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives.

Lt. Col. Scott Pleus CO 63rd Fighter Squadron
Luke AFB

WOW eh? By the time Dr. Laura was finished reading this letter, I was crying. While the first part of this story is humbling and a realization that we don't always know the full story, I think the lesson comes in what Dr. Laura did not share. The writer of the first letter wrote another letter to the editor in response to Lt. Col. Pleus' letter. I found it on snopes.com:

I read with increasing embarrassment and humility the response to my unfortunate letter to The Republic concerning an Air Force flyby ("Awake-up call from Luke's jets," Letters, June 23).I had no idea of the significance of the flyby, and would never have insulted such a fine and respectful display had I known.I have received many calls from the fine airmen who are serving or have served at Luke, and I have attempted to explain my side and apologized for any discomfort my letter has caused. This was simply an uninformed citizen complaining about noise.I have been made aware in both written and verbal communications of the four-ship flyby, and my heart goes out to each and every lost serviceman and woman in this war in which we are engaged. I have been called un-American by an unknown caller and I feel that I must address that. I served in the U.S. Navy and am a Vietnam veteran. I love my country and respect the jobs that the service organizations are doing. Please accept my heartfelt apologies.

This man, obviously humiliated, had the courage and the humility to publicly admit that he was at fault and to tried to make things right. If it was me, I probably would have moved to Vermont and changed my name! I commend and admire this man for his courage and hope that I can apply this lesson in my life.