Saying Goodbye to a Fallen Airman

Today the boys and I had the opportunity to be part of the men and women who lined the roadway to pay our respects to SSgt Michael Flores as he was brought home from Afghanistan. The mood was somber as we watched the limos with family and friends come down the roadway. As the cars approached all those in uniform saluted including my three boys in their Boy Scout uniforms. I saw the eyes of the fallen airman's loved ones. The sorrow but also the pride and almost disbelief that so many would show up to stand shoulder to shoulder by the side of the road to pay their respects to their son, brother, husband, father, and friend. My prayers will be with his family and all those serving our country.

Proud to be Surrounded

A couple of weeks ago I attended a pre-deployment family picnic for the medical wing. Since the boys were still in school this was an event for just Doug and me. As we arrived the first thing I noticed was how young everyone attending was. There were very few NCO (non commissioned officers) and officers. Those who were there seem to be attending to support their soon to be deployed. It hit me that these young men and women, who are college age, were the ones that would be providing the necessary health care in Afghanistan and Iraq. That these airman were saving lives. As the wing commander reiterated that once a injured person arrived at a medical facility that the survival rate was 98%. A thunderous cheer went up when that was announced.

As would be expected at any social function, there was a lot of fun and teasing being exchanged. If everyone was not in uniform you would think it was a school cookout. Then at the stroke of noon the speaker began to play the official songs of each branch of the military. At once silence fell as everyone stood at attention facing the speaker. I looked around at hands clasped at sides, straight backs, and direct eyes while I listened to each branch of the military represented through music. Although, the temperature and humidity made it less than comfortable no one moved. Respect was paid and even a feeling of reverence was felt as these men and women, some who would be leaving their families the next day, stood. I stood also, proud to be surrounded by these airmen.

Red Shirt Friday

I have tossed this idea around in my head for a while now and finally decided to do it. I have always admitted to being very patriotic (I blame my parents and my grandparents). I love this country. I know it is not perfect and there are many issues, but I love the ideals that this country was founded on. But my favorite cause is the men and women in the military (again, thanks to Mom, Dad, Grampy, and Granny). I am constantly amazed at what it takes to be "the line" that stands for the freedom of others.

I now find myself in the unique situation of associating with these men and women almost daily. I am honored to do so. Years ago I received an e-mail encouraging me to be part of the silent majority that support our troops and wear red on Fridays. I would like to take this a step further and share experiences every Friday that I have that make me proud of the men and women in the military. Of course most of my contact is with the Air Force and the airmen, but I will try to report on all branches as I come in contact with them.

I hope that by doing this, I may pass down to my boys an appreciation for this country and those that serve it. I also hope to give those "civilians" that occasionally read an insight into some of the things that a military wife gets to see and experience.