Fabulous Army Life

In Joshua's 3rd grade class, they were assigned a "Hero Box" project ... Think of the bravest, strongest, smartest person you know and create a box describing why that person is your hero. No surprise that Joshua chose his brave, strong, smart, heroic father for his topic. It was so sweet to watch him put this together ... and I know Nate is honored to be the hero in his son's life. Joshua's school project ... a "Hero Box" describing your hero. Joshua shows off the front of his 'hero box.' The top of the box The bottom of the box

Memorial Day 2011 We need him to be there right now, We know this in our hearts. But watching him go fight for us, It's bitter from the start. Our minds can grip the case for peace, the importance of the cause. But the mind cannot convince the heart when all we wish for is what was. We honor and remember those who have fought this fight before us, And mourn for every last lost child, Sons and daughters who implore us ... Never forget the sacrifice Of your Nation's daughters and sons. Honor those who fought for you, And remember them, one by one. So while we wait for our Soldier's return, We wait with love and expectation, That all he does will be for good And be honored by our great Nation. Happy Memorial Day 2011

As we approach our Nation’s birthday, I am always reminded of the service and sacrifice of so many who have come before us. From the day that we adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776 until today, brave men and women have served, sacrificed, fought, and died to preserve it. Freedom truly is not free. Growing up, the Fourth of July was a fun holiday in my family. We would usually spend the day at the lake, cooking out, swimming, and swirling sparklers while we watched fireworks over the water. It wasn’t until I married a Soldier that this holiday – and so many others – evoked a different kind of emotion in me. My first Independence Day away from my home country was spent at a Korean-American Rodeo in South Korea, where my Soldier was stationed. As I listened to the beginning bars of the Star Spangled Banner, I developed a lump in my throat and was moved to tears watching our flag fly, whipping in the wind. It was a special reminder to me of the many freedoms and privileges w...

I was waiting on a flight at Dallas/Fort Worth airport several years ago and remember seeing a young Soldier get off the plane at my gate. He stepped into the waiting area, looked around anxiously, and then ran toward a young woman holding an infant. As they embraced and she lifted the baby to hand him to the Soldier, I realized that this young man was seeing his baby, his son, for the very first time. I know this scene is played out across our Army all the time, but it brought tears to my eyes to watch their reunion. This young Family stays with me as a reminder of what our Soldiers give up in the cause of freedom. As Father’s Day came and went this year and we celebrated the dad in our Family, I couldn't help but think about all the Army dads out there who do such an amazing job of balancing family and work. Having watched my husband of 15+ years, the past 9+ of those as a dad, I have seen how difficult it can be to be a great Soldier and a great Dad. It takes constant pract...

I find our Army Soldiers the most resourceful, dedicated, brave, and honorable men and women anywhere. Last weekend, I witnessed one of many examples of why I adore Soldiers. My kids and I attended a concert on Fort Hood featuring the Lt. Dan Band. It was a wonderful event and we had a great time. The music was fantastic, the crowd energetic, and the kids area well-organized and fun. All in all, a very fun night for us. After a few turns in the bounce houses, my boys requested ice cream. I'm never one to turn down Blue Bell ice cream and the night seemed to call for a treat, so I agreed. I stood in the line while my ever-energetic boys ran laps on the track with some friends (friends they met for the first time a few minutes earlier -- as military kids do). The line for ice cream turned out to be one of the longest I've encountered ... maybe ever. I happened to be in line surrounded by Soldiers in uniform; a happy place to be! In much the same way that hostages being h...