Old Soldiers Never Die

This was a great way to spend a couple of days in the middle of the week. Twenty-two years ago I got to go to Fort Leonard Wood with my dad to see my brother graduate from basic training. On Tuesday this week, I headed up to Tyler to pick up my dad so we could attend Craig's retirement ceremony and reception. It was a tremendous honor to make this trip and made for another special memory that I share with my dad and my brother.

This picture shows my brother, First Sergeant Clark (right) with Colonel Sage, who presented the awards and was the guest speaker for the retirement ceremony.

During the reception, following the retirement ceremony, Craig was presented with the Quartermasters Corps Order of Saint Martin medal. Chief Sanchez (presenting the medal) singled out Craig's community service with Habitat for Humanity and charity work with kids while serving in Bosnia as meritous achievement for this award. Here is a link to the story of this award and levels of presedence. http://www.qmfound.com/martin.htm

Here is Craig and Dad after the reception.

Twenty two years ago, Craig and I took a picture at Ft. Leonard Wood. That picture was a kid and a lean, mean soldier. For this picture, we were just luck we didn't need a camera with a wide-angle lens.

There are a few more pictures in the public album on the right column. I mentioned that it was an honor to attend this event. Not only am I incredibly proud of my brother and his selfless service for our country, we had the opportunity to shake the hands of 11 other men and women who ended distinguished careers on this day. It was a blessing to be able to look those men and women in the eye, shake their hand and thank them for their service and congratulate them on their careers.

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