Thanks folks. I have had a pretty good deployment. Working with who I am this time around has been a real pleasure. I have met members of the Canadian Forces, some Kiwi's, Aussie's, and Brit's. I tell you what, those Brit's are quite the characters!
Oh, lil' Em was named after her Great Great Grandmother. My grandmother was just delighted that we used the name. And that remindes me, this Independance Day I was thinking about America and all she has gone through in her short lifespan. I also thought about my Grandma and how she is one person that totally represents why I signed up for another enlistment a few years back (first one was because I needed the heck outta town!)
She has seen World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, The Dust Bowl, The Great Depression, son killed by a drunk driver, a son's suicide, two husband's die, bore 13 children, I don't know how many grankids and great grandkids she has, the prevelance of the automobile, indutrial air travel, interstates, advances in medicine, two knee replacements, two heart surgeries, .............
She sent 1 son to Korea, 5 sons to Vietnam, 1 son to Desert Storm, and 5 grandson's to the GWOT.
She has seen 89 Independance Days!
http://www.news-star.com/localnews/x1804949653 (BTW, I'm NOT a Commander. E-5 not O-5)
Somebody should do a story on her!