Over the past weekend there was a golf tournament in Curtis' honor. Caleb, a Marine that had served with Curtis in Iraq, is now a golf pro in a community about a hour north of Lake Tahoe. All proceeds of this event went to the Armed Forces Foundation, an organization in which ninety five percent of their money goes to help troops, veterans and their families. We were invited to this first time event and with the help of Caleb and this foundation, we were able to attend with Emily, Nic and Katie.
The beautiful scenery, friendly hospitality and interesting architecture made this weekend special. Anytime our family can spend time together makes me happy. Doing it in such a peaceful setting and on our anniversary weekend only added to the experience. This time together is only second to the gratitude I feel when Curtis is thought of and honored by so many.
Dave and I usually carry Curtis' buttons to such events, and I had stuffed as many as I could in a small makeup case for the trip. While packing to head home, I noticed I had one lone button left. I was a bit disappointed in myself that I had not given them all away, but apparently it was saved for a reason. Entering the airport, we found a flag line of about 25 patriot guard welcoming home 8 airmen. Chatting with one of the men, he asked if we had time to walk the line, we jumped at the opportunity to thank them. I pulled out that last button for the captain of the group. It turned out to be a mother whose son will deploy to Afghanistan in the next few months. I'd like to think she needed this so Curtis could watch over him.
What a beautiful country we live in, so many big hearts.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Saturday, August 11, 2012
A Hero's Welcome?
Like many others, I am a fan of the Olympics. I enjoy watching sports that usually don't get much press, and for two weeks my TV is tuned into the station with something Olympic. This morning as I watched I heard something that made me take note. All next week this network is going to have "A hero's welcome home".
Although I am in awe at the athleticism in this group, can we consider them hero's? Sure, they are dedicated and work hard for a small time in the spotlight. Many are professionals, getting paid to play a sport. Many are blessed with an athletic ability some of us could never possess. They are competitive, but what have they done to be given hero status?
Have they placed there lives on the line for the sake of peace? Have they been away from family and friends under great mental and emotional stress so others can sleep well at night? Have they faced great danger so some can pursue a life of sport?
While this station has dedicated two weeks to this sporting event many of our soldiers and Marines have been killed with barely a passing notice. Maybe it is too sad of news to report while they are having a great time in London. Of course it is, but our brave are fighting so those reporters and athletes can have that wonderful vacation. They don't do it for glory, they do it for love of country, family and friends. They do it for the guy next to them.
It's time to stop using the word Hero so loosely, stop de-valuing the meaning. How about just a "welcome home", that is what it is.
Although I am in awe at the athleticism in this group, can we consider them hero's? Sure, they are dedicated and work hard for a small time in the spotlight. Many are professionals, getting paid to play a sport. Many are blessed with an athletic ability some of us could never possess. They are competitive, but what have they done to be given hero status?
Have they placed there lives on the line for the sake of peace? Have they been away from family and friends under great mental and emotional stress so others can sleep well at night? Have they faced great danger so some can pursue a life of sport?
While this station has dedicated two weeks to this sporting event many of our soldiers and Marines have been killed with barely a passing notice. Maybe it is too sad of news to report while they are having a great time in London. Of course it is, but our brave are fighting so those reporters and athletes can have that wonderful vacation. They don't do it for glory, they do it for love of country, family and friends. They do it for the guy next to them.
It's time to stop using the word Hero so loosely, stop de-valuing the meaning. How about just a "welcome home", that is what it is.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Hero's Ride
I recently was part of a committee that formed the first Hero's Ride. Our goal was to raise money for the Disabled American Veterans. It was a pleasure to work with such dedicated people, many DAV members themselves.
Much of our group are Vietnam Veterans who consider 'work' a four letter word. They may be retired, but they work harder on committee after committee raising money for our Veterans than anyone I know. We had POW/MIA Riders and Patriot Guard members to round out the group, also dedicated people with a passion to help. I have learned so much from them all and they have become my mentors as well as friends. Although none of them knew Curtis personally, when I speak of him I sometimes see a tear come to the eyes of these sometimes rough around the edges men. Curtis was their brother.
We had a beautiful day for the ride. Not having a pre-registration, we were not sure how many bikes to expect, but one hundred bikes with 130 riders showed up to ride for our Hero's. The ride to Wabasha, up the Mississippi river on the way to Mazeppa, and back was beautiful. A band and comedian at the VFW ended a great day.
As I rode I thought of the men and woman who made this day possible. Not of the committee, but of the brave that signed on to do a job that few could do. Risking their health and lives so I could spend a day of my choosing. They deserve all the support we can give.
Much of our group are Vietnam Veterans who consider 'work' a four letter word. They may be retired, but they work harder on committee after committee raising money for our Veterans than anyone I know. We had POW/MIA Riders and Patriot Guard members to round out the group, also dedicated people with a passion to help. I have learned so much from them all and they have become my mentors as well as friends. Although none of them knew Curtis personally, when I speak of him I sometimes see a tear come to the eyes of these sometimes rough around the edges men. Curtis was their brother.
We had a beautiful day for the ride. Not having a pre-registration, we were not sure how many bikes to expect, but one hundred bikes with 130 riders showed up to ride for our Hero's. The ride to Wabasha, up the Mississippi river on the way to Mazeppa, and back was beautiful. A band and comedian at the VFW ended a great day.
As I rode I thought of the men and woman who made this day possible. Not of the committee, but of the brave that signed on to do a job that few could do. Risking their health and lives so I could spend a day of my choosing. They deserve all the support we can give.
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