Monday, May 30, 2011

I Grew Up With A Military Family

My Dad and Mom met while they were both in the Air Force.  My Dad went on to a decorated career in the United States Air Force while my Mom schlepped us around the country and Europe every two years as my Dad was re-stationed. Thank you Dad, I miss you.

Four of my Uncles fought in Korea and World War II.  These were actually my "Great" Uncles [my Grandmother's brothers] but I didn't realize the distinction when I was growing up. They were just there, all the time, for Sunday dinner.

I loved them all and always thought of them as hard working farmers - that is what they did in rural Maryland.  It wasn't until they passed away that I was told how extraordinary these men were.

Remembering my Uncle Charles still brings a smile to my face.  He was the gentlest, kindest soul with the clearest blue eyes I have ever seen.  Us kids used to vie for a seat next to him at the table during "coffee time" in the evenings at my Grandma's house because he gave the BEST backrubs.  He was so loving and kind. I miss him.  What I really miss is the fact that I never knew that this great man fought in WWII and was one of the men who stormed the beaches at Normandy.  He survived to come home to MD and raise a wonderful family and love on his niece every Sunday at his sister's house.  Thank you Uncle Charles.

Then there was my Uncle Slug.  Really, that is what we called him because he was missing one finger on his left hand.  He loved it.  He was somewhat of a loner, never married and lived with my Great Grandparents and took care of them.  He was so much fun with great stories and fishing trips and leaf piles and ....he was fun.  Again, I never knew he had fought in the war as no one talked about it.  I wasn't told that a lot of his pain later in life was due to the war and I never was able to tell my wonderful Uncle Slug thank you.  I also found out after his death that the reason he was missing his finger was because it had been shot off.  So, again, Thank you Uncle Slug.

Next is my beloved Father In Law - who y'all know, I love like no other.  He achieved the highest rank in the United States Air Force that he could all the while marrying my best friend, my MIL, and raising two wonderful sons [One of which is my absolute best friend too!].  When he retired from the Air Force he was hired by the United States Secret Service and spent 20 years protecting the President and dignitaries that visited the U.S. Thank you Daddy.

Finally, Pooldad's son [Tee] is currently in the U.S. Air Force.  So serious was he to follow in his Grandfather's footsteps he had to gain weight to do so. We think of him everyday and miss him terribly. Thank you our son.

We remember the commitment, the sacrifice and the love these men showed their country, as we honor those men and women that serve now to protect our freedoms and the world.

Say thank you when you are able to and never, ever forget.

Happy Memorial Day.

14 comments:

Celia said...

Very well put. Appreciating all the sacrifices all the military members have made.

Southhamsdarling said...

You did well there, Skippy, with that post for Memorial Day, and in honour of all those who have fought in wars past and present. We think especially of all those, men and women, who have made the ultimate sacrifice. I pray that Tee never has to go to war, but you must be so very proud of him, wanting to follow in his grandfather's footsteps. You certainly do come from a strong military background, and that was a lovely way of remembering them all today. Hugs.

BB said...

This was such a great post Skippy. Beautifully written and full of pride. My father was in the Navy for WWII, but he would never talk about it. He had nightmares often. He had a scrapbook with pictures of other sailors with him and when I would ask about them he told me most all of them died during the war. He was in the Pacific for the most part.

Jeannie said...

Great post. Although my father served in WWII and one Grandfather in WWI, we do not have the tradition in most families here of serving in the military as you do in the States. I sometimes wonder how much of our freedom from hostility is due to being in your shadow. So my thanks to your family members who have continued to serve.

Unknown said...

A might fine post Skippy and as one that served in Viet Nam for 19 months it is always good to see words of appreciation especially on a day like today. Thanks

Lyndylou said...

very interesting post and your pride shines through. I hope that Tee keeps safe, wherever he serves.

CWMartin said...

May God bless you and your family. You truly are already blessed to have such a legacy of heroes. From mine to yours, thank you.

Patty said...

What a proud and loyal family you have! I had an Uncle Carmen. Same story- great uncle called him uncle- served in WWII and I had no idea. He never got married either. I think bachelors were very popular in that era. I'm grateful that your family has served our country and helped to protect my own family.

Anonymous said...

My grandpa was in WWII as well. I didn't even know that really until it was later in life when he had suffered a few strokes and couldn't talk well. Wish that I had more time to hear his stories.

Sandra said...

Great tribute Skippy!
I was an air force brat too, but I moved every three years, and nowhere in Europe. Only little podunk bases in Canada.

Mustang Sally said...

Well done Skippy, Beautiful post

RVVagabond said...

Written from the heart and well said. You come from good stock there, kiddo.

Rudee said...

A lovely post. Thanks for sharing your family heroes.

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

A beautiful post, Skippy, and I salute your sentiments.