Thankful Day 11

I said last year that I think that it is so appropriate that Veteran's Day falls in the month where we take time to think of the things for which we are Thankful. On this Veteran's Day I am the most Thankful for the best Veteran we know - and the man Parker and Riley get to call Daddy.

Parker and Riley's Daddy served two tours in Iraq before they were even a sparkle in his eye. He fought alongside some other very brave men and women. He always did his very best to watch out for the man next to him, and to bring everyone home safely.

Being part of this Army family means our kids grow up in a totally different kind of world. They do things and experience things that other kids will never do. Like sit in an Army vehicle before you are even a year old...

This journey has taken us many places and on many adventures. I will always be Thankful for this life and all of the things we have been able to do because of Ben's service. But, on Veteran's Day I am most Thankful for Ben. The man he is, the leader, the friend, the husband, and mostly the father. Our children will grow up in a safer world because of him and those like him.

"I never know how to respond when someone asks me why I choose to serve. I didn’t have ideations of glory, in fact I didn’t even like GI Joe growing up. I just knew, one day in 9th grade career focus class that this was my purpose. It’s hard. Hard on my family. Yet, I wouldn’t change what my life has become. I will continue to serve because now I understand, it’s about doing your job, the one that most people don’t want or can’t do, and more importantly it’s about helping the person next to you, in whatever battle they may face" - Ben's thoughts, November 11, 2013.

Thank You for being the man you are and reminding us what Veteran's Day is all about.