Thank You....Veterans

**be ready to shed a tear or two when listening to this song

In a Foxhole

hunkered down in a foxhole
hearts beating rapidly
anxiety creeping in.

hunkered in a foxhole
shrapnel flying
bombs exploding
gunfire never ceasing.

hunkered in a foxhole
dirt and tears mingle
blood and heartache bonding
a perilous journey has begun.

hunkered in a foxhole
thoughts of loved ones waiting back home
thoughts of imminent danger, too
thoughts of mortality settle in.

hunkered in a foxhole
dark and lonely
a soldier cries

hunkered in a foxhole
thousands of miles away
dark and lonely nights
a loved one cries

hunkered in a foxhole
a soldier whispers, "help me"
God whispers, "I am with you my beloved"

hunkered in a foxhole
a solider sacrifices his everything
for you and me.

~Anne Meyer

I am so thankful to the men and women who have served our country so valiantly. Men and women who wear the badge of true honor, all for me so that I can live in my country free.

My life is filled with brave men and women whom served in various branches of the military (or are currently serving). A moment to thank them:

Grandpa (Army Air Force): Heaven is now your home, yet I still miss you dearly; but, I anxiously await the day I see you once again. Thank you for serving our country PaPaw even though health and age should have kept you safe on U.S. soil. With such love for you country, you opted to not let anyone know your health ailments and went on to help secure freedom for your family.

Daddy (Air Force): Following in your dad's footsteps, you entered the service. Thankfully, you never had to see combat firsthand, but you saw the devastation and poverty of Korea while stationed there. You left your new bride and served our country. I believe you came back a changed man with a heart stronger than ever for the least of these. You served in the capacity that God had planned for you and when He said the time had come to move on, you obeyed and went on to raise the beautiful family He blessed you with. Thank you, my daddy, my hero.

Uncle Mark (Army, 101st Airborne): Like your father and brother, you, too, entered the service and decided to dedicate your life as a career solider. Unfortunately, you did see combat in Desert Storm, but you led your troops so valiantly and honorably, I was proud to say you are my uncle. I remember sitting in school watching Channel One (school news) and seeing clips of Desert Storm and I knew in my heart I saw you on that screen. Though now retired, I know red, white, and blue runs deep within your blood still, and may you know how thankful I am to you for your service.

Dad (in-law) (Navy): At sea for days and weeks at a time, you learned the trade that would eventually gainfully employ you in your own business when you returned from your years of service and married a wonderful woman (who gave you a beautiful daughter and a wonderful son who God chose to be my husband). I remember sitting and listening to you tell me stories of your days at sea...cherished memories for me. It was that one particular evening I knew how special you would be in my life when your son made me his wife. Thank you for your service.

Jake (Air Force): Just a kid when you entered the Air Force, I remember the day I watched you and your beautiful bride, Becky (my wonderful sister) drive away headed to North Dakota. I remember the night of your proposal to my sister..you came home early from your tour of duty and gave her the surprise of all surprises. Though thankfully you did not have to see combat, I can only imagine the lonely days and nights you spent while overseas missing your beloved. You served as a fireman, and can I mention Sparky, too :) and you were very proud of your position and were good at it. Though military service ended up not being a lifelong career for you, your service is not forgotten and in fact, honorable. I am proud to call you brother!

Paul (Air Force): A kid when you entered the Air Force. Military police was your speciality, but was cut too short due to an injury. Honorably discharged, I believe you would have continued your military career had this not happened. But nonetheless, your service is appreciated and I thank you for your time.

Gabe (Jake's twin brother) (Air Force): Just like your bro! You went into the military with one idea in mind...proudly serve the country we live in. God has blessed your life with a wife and children and as dedication to them, you continue to serve this country to ensure their freedom. Being away from your family is not easy, but God has a plan for you wherever He may take you. Think of the lives you will touch! Thank you, Gabe, for your service.

Uncle Jim (Air Force): Retired as a Lieutenant Colonel now, Air Force Academy graduate, you proudly served your country as a pilot (and perhaps that is really how you swept your sweet wife off her feet?). Thank you, Uncle Jim, for your time served and your love for this country you played a part in to help ensure this country's continued freedom.

Cousin Matt (Marines): Currently serving a tour of duty in Okinawa and also spent some harrowing months in Afghanistan. Thank you, Matt for your service. We love and miss you and Andrea, and continue to keep you in our prayers.

Cousin Andrew (Army): Recent West Point graduate, currently stationed in Alaska. We keep you in prayer as you follow your dream of military service.

Uncle Gale (Army)
Uncle Harold (Army)
Ron Garst (Army - currently serving)
Grandpa Meyer (Army during World War 1)
Uncle Warren (Army/Air Force World War 2)
Uncle Bill (Air Force and Navy)
Steven (Marines...wounded in Iran)
Benjamin (Marines)
Pam (Air Force)
Dave (Marines)
Mark W. (Marines)

There are several I am sure I am forgetting, and that does not mean my thanks does not extend to them. Thank you to all the men and women who have fought and/or served this country to ensure my freedom. Also, thank you to the family that stood by their loved ones (or are currently) during their service. May God continue to bless each one of your lives!