Belated Veterans Day

Yesterday was Veterans day.

There are two very important veterans in my life and I figure it's only right to give them some sort of tribute in my blog. There are also a few veterans that are not a part of my daily life, but still mean a lot to me. I want to give them a tribute as well.

Richard Midkiff (USNavy)- I honestly can not remember a time in my life when I wasn't proud of my dad. And that statement of course can be argued by times I had been angry at my dad, but I remained proud of his accomplishments. I don't remember much of Daddy's time in the Navy. I was very young when he retired, but I do remember one of his last tours. I was old enough to realize that he was gone and I was old enough to talk to him on the phone. Back then, I didn't know what a phone was, so I waited by it all the time, waiting to talk to Daddy again. When I got older, and began realizing the importance of the service my dad did, it really touched me. It inspired me. My dad considers himself a veteran, but he often talks about his sacrifice being less important than others. That really bothers me sometimes because his sacrifice was just as important to his family and his loved ones, than anyone elses. We worried. We waited, we cried, It didn't matter to us whether he was in a war or not. He left a hole in our lives when he left and his safety was our main concern. My dad is a Navy veteran and I'm very very proud of him for that.

Jordan Hendrix (USMarine Corps)- The marine corps and I have a love/hate relationship. I believe that all Marine spouses can say that at some point. I am extremely proud of all of my husbands accomplishments in the Marines, but I hate that he has been deployed for half of our marriage. I love seeing him in his dress blues. I love seeing him in any of his uniforms. It gives me a surge of pride. He earned that uniform. I remember the letters from boot camp. I remember the blisters from MCT. I remember the fatigue from CFT's and PFT's. I have been there for him since the beginning. I have been his rock. Sadly, there are days when I feel like a crumbling rock, but he picks me up. He carries me when I am at my lowest. Another strength that I admire in him. I am so proud of him.

Jerald Moore (USNavy)- Jay was my best friend in high school. It was him, Shelby and I. When Jay told us he was joining the Navy, I was happy for him. I was sad to see my best friend go, but for some reason, I knew Jay was going to join some branch of the military and I knew that whatever branch it was, he was going to be amazing. Jay and I dated for a little bit in high school, but it didn't work out. We both realized that we were much better as friends. He reminded me too much of my dad. His decision to join the navy out of high school definitely had something to do with that as well. I'm proud of Jay. I'm proud of who he is now and the man that he has grown to be. I miss him very much.

Andrew Teglas (USAir Force)- If I had a nickel every time I heard an Air Force joke everytime I bring up Andrew in front of Jordan, I'd be a rich woman. Fact is, the Marines make fun of the Flyboys all the time, but that doesn't take anything away from the fact that Andrew is serving his country the same. I am damn proud of Andrew. His determination to join the Air Force is an inspiration to everyone. I miss him too, and I'm so so proud of him.