I'd like to take a moment...

VERY NICE POST!
I would like to thank my grandfather who served in the Army.

My dad who was a Navy Seal and served 24 years in the Navy, he was also a POW who managed to escape.

My brother the Marine who served in the Vietman.

My Father in Law who served and retired from the Navy.

My Son in Law who served in the Army.

And two of my brother In Laws who also served in the Army.

Thank you to all who have served or are currently serving and to all those who gave all so that we could enjoy our freedom.

Dawne.Hope said:

Thank you!
What a wonderful idea and what a wonderful thread.

My grandpa who served in the Navy during WWII.

My other grandpa who served in the Army building bridges in Europe in WWII.

My uncle who served three tours in Vietnam.

My cousin who is currently serving in Afghanistan.

Thank you to all our military men and women.

THANK YOU!

Nice
I would like to thank my Dad who served in the Marine Corps during the Korean war.

My Uncle who served in the Army also during the Korean War.

Lastly, but certainly not least, my Husband who retired last year from the Marine Corps after 25 years of service. Civilian life is nice, but sometimes we miss the military way.

My family
Hubby - retired USN - was a PR (parachute rigger) on the carrier (Ranger) that launched the first strike of Desert Storm.

Daddy - retired USAF (26 yrs). Actually he started out Army pre-Pearl Harbor, went in on Normandy, and was in 'Nam in the very early days.switched to USAF when it was created. During Korea, we were in France.

Uncle Fisher - not really an Uncle as both parents were only children but he filled role great. Like Daddy, retired USAF (30 yrs), who had also been pre-Pearl Army and switched when the USAF was formed. Also in on Normandy and was a POW for a while but escaped. During Korea he was in France and did several tours in 'Nam.

FIL - retired USAF. Korea and 'Nam

MIL - USAF - stateside during Korea.

BIL - USAF - don't know much about his time other than he was in for 1 enlistment.

BIL - USN - (23 or 24 yrs - don't remember but he died while still on active duty of a massive heart attack.

SIL - Army - retired (22 yrs) - don't known much about her time as we were never close.

Me - Army - only one enlistment

I could go on and on with listing all the people I know and have been a part of my life having been 'raised' in the Army then Air Force, been Army myself and married to Hubby for 19 1/2 of his 20 years Navy (total of 35+ yrs now). I don't mean to neglect those others but with keeping my list to immediate family, it's fairly long to start with.

Susan

There is one other person that I must list - a woman I first met through the local Women Veterans Support Group. She had been an Army nurse in 'Nam - 2 tours. I do not know a stronger woman and gave me so much during the time I knew her. A more upbeat/positive person you could not hope to meet. When I first met her - it was years after her first DX of BC but had been fighting hard for years. Looking back I wish I remembered more of what she told of her journey but I don't. All I sort of remember is that there were some 'strange' issues with her BC that apparently had some genetic issues - possibly from exposure to Agent Orange. She had buried her 2 daughters to BC before she passed 9 yrs ago. Her body was sent to somewhere (I honestly don't remember where - University/Cancer Center?) for extensive testing to try to figure out what was going on with her. After about a year (or a bit more) she was interred at Black Hills National Cemetary. Thank you N. - you have been with me through my journey I know - but I really wish I could sit down with you and talk. You are such a strength.

Great Thread
I too would like to thank all of the veterans past and present. Most of all, the one's who gave all for our wonderful country. My DH is currently serving in the Army and has lost many, many great friends. They are all true heros! My heart goes out to the families that lost for the sake of our nation. Everyone have a wonderful weekend and remember that as we are all fighting here, there are so many out there fighting for us!!

Jean 0609 said:

Hey Sylvia,
Thanks for posting this. You have a great weekend too. xoxo, Jean

In loving memory of my
In loving memory of my father Sargent first class Joseph L. VanEgeren, 20 year veteran of the United States Army. Korean and Vietnam vet, purple heart. Love and miss you dad...

Army brat Lorrie

GreeneyedGirl said:

A much needed reminder~
~thank you Sylvia~
My father served in WWII under Gen. George Patton. From the stories he shared, I can only imagine the challenges and choices people face in situations of War and service.
May we never take our freedom for granted!
~Melanie

We forget too easily
what Memorial Day is all about. Thanks Sylvia for reminding us.

With the exception of WWI, my family has taken part in every conflict this country has been involved in.

My dad - WWII, Army Staff Sergeant serving in the first offensive of the United States. He was in North Africa, including the battle at Kasserine Pass. He served under Eisenhower until the General was pulled to become the Supreme Commander of the allied forces. That left General Mark Clark in charge. From there he continued on to Italy, beginning in the southern part of that country before landing at Anzio. Near Cisterna he was wounded on 2 separate ocassions. Both times he returned to duty. He was awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. Unfortunately, after surviving in all the battles, he died at age 41 from one unexpected heart attack in 1963.

Thanks again Sylvia!
Marsha