Thank a Vet!

Veteran's Day has passed, and I hope we each took the time to reflect on those who have and continue to serve our country in the armed forces.  I took my kids out to my parents' for the weekend and while there we went through old pictures trying to get them labeled and dated correctly.  I brought back with me pictures of my grandfathers in their military uniforms taken while they served during WWII.

This first is of my maternal grandfather who served in the navy.  Most of his service was done in the Pacific.

This is my paternal great-grandfather who served in France during WWI

This next one is his son, my paternal grandfather.  He joined the army as a cook with no intention of fighting.  He was shipped to Italy and during combat was handed a machine gun and told to get out there and use it.  He suffered from frostbite and had trouble with his feet forever after due to the freezing cold winter he spent overseas.

 Here I am with my husband, daughter, brother and his family and sister at my Grandpa's funeral in 2004.  My brother is in his army dress uniform.  He along with two of my cousins (also army guys) did a military tribute at my Grandpa's funeral.  My brother is still serving in the army.

 My husband's maternal grandfather who served in the army during WWII

This is my husband's paternal grandfather who served in the air force during WWII

My father-in-law who was a U.S. marine

And my husband who served in the U.S. Army. He enlisted first in the reserves and then the national guard before going active duty as an officer in 2002.  He was given a medical discharge in 2004.

I'm so proud of and grateful for each of these men and their examples to me.  A great big thank you to ALL of those who have and continue to serve!