And it was a stunning tribute to a man who has devoted a good portion of his life for the service.
It all started in 1966, in a time when a person enlisted in the Army would possibly end up in Vietnam. My dad, luckily wound up in Germany. His brother, my uncle wound up going to Vietnam.
In 1969, he concluded his military service in the army. He then spent 17 years doing all sorts of civilian jobs, such as truckdriver, business owner, mechanic. At an age when many people are considering last or final career move, my dad decided to reenlist in 1986. Since 1986, he has been in many different units in the Air Force Reserve. His roles were photographer, combat photographer, loadmaster, and lastly, mid air refueler. He has been a veteran in Desert Storm, and involved in Bosnian, and Somalian conflicts as well. His last assignment, was directly involved in homeland security.
The ceremony was fabulous. They had his commander, and the unit officer come up and talk about his service. The National Anthem was played, (taped recording of the Air Force Band) . The theater was filled to capacity with all members of his squad, other squadrons, and family. the commander also presented him with a plaque of service signed by President Bush. The squadron presented him with a shadowbox, with all his military emblems. He also received a medal. His former squadron gave him a plaque. His current unit, had a photo of a KC10A framed and all members of the unit signed the matte.
They also gave a spouse award. My mom received a beautiful plaque, in recognition of her trials as a military spouse. That was so touching. THen my dad presented my mom with a dozen roses. My father then had both of us (my sister and I) come up, and he gave us flowers. He stated in front of everyone "I may have not always been there for you, and missed lots of things. I was always thinking of you! You never complained or anything like that."
Then finally, the color guard came and presented my dad with a flag. That was so touching and sweet.
At the end, there was not a dry eye in the house. Even seasoned commanders were wiping their eyes!
After that, there was a wonderful reception for my dad.
It all started in 1966, in a time when a person enlisted in the Army would possibly end up in Vietnam. My dad, luckily wound up in Germany. His brother, my uncle wound up going to Vietnam.
In 1969, he concluded his military service in the army. He then spent 17 years doing all sorts of civilian jobs, such as truckdriver, business owner, mechanic. At an age when many people are considering last or final career move, my dad decided to reenlist in 1986. Since 1986, he has been in many different units in the Air Force Reserve. His roles were photographer, combat photographer, loadmaster, and lastly, mid air refueler. He has been a veteran in Desert Storm, and involved in Bosnian, and Somalian conflicts as well. His last assignment, was directly involved in homeland security.
The ceremony was fabulous. They had his commander, and the unit officer come up and talk about his service. The National Anthem was played, (taped recording of the Air Force Band) . The theater was filled to capacity with all members of his squad, other squadrons, and family. the commander also presented him with a plaque of service signed by President Bush. The squadron presented him with a shadowbox, with all his military emblems. He also received a medal. His former squadron gave him a plaque. His current unit, had a photo of a KC10A framed and all members of the unit signed the matte.
They also gave a spouse award. My mom received a beautiful plaque, in recognition of her trials as a military spouse. That was so touching. THen my dad presented my mom with a dozen roses. My father then had both of us (my sister and I) come up, and he gave us flowers. He stated in front of everyone "I may have not always been there for you, and missed lots of things. I was always thinking of you! You never complained or anything like that."
Then finally, the color guard came and presented my dad with a flag. That was so touching and sweet.
At the end, there was not a dry eye in the house. Even seasoned commanders were wiping their eyes!
After that, there was a wonderful reception for my dad.
