Father's Day

Holidays are days spent with those you love… the date is often not as important.  In our military family we have celebrated Christmas in June, Thanksgiving in May and Father’s/Mother’s Day either early or late based on training and deployments.  In 2010 Grant and I shared our anniversary on Skype, over cups of coffee and memories after Krystina and I went out to dinner.

This year we celebrated Father’s Day just a day early – as opposed to months early due to upcoming training.  Krystina planned a wonderful day for him:  A 7AM wake up to head to Huntington Beach (blindfolded) for his favorite restaurant, then we walked along the pier and took in the street faire, then off to the mall to finish his Father’s Day shopping (a new watch), then home for nap time and Grammy coming to visit. 

Daddy got his coffee and is settled in for his surprises to start

Breakfast at Sugar Shack - fully tummy's!

My loves on the Pier in Huntington Beach

The man that I waited my life for

LOVED surprising her daddy this morning!

 

When we told Krystina that we had to celebrate Father’s Day early she smiled as always.  She understands that the physical date of any holiday is less important than sharing the memories together.  Less than 1% of our country serves in our military; she realizes how special that makes our family and how special every day together is.  Through Got Your Back and TAPS she has realized how precious life is and always reminds people that you only live once so make every memory you can. 

I am sure that there will be more times in her life that we will be celebrating holidays early or via Skype, that she will be mailing cards and gifts via flat rate boxes to an FPO address and that we will make memories in ways that few understand but that is what makes our family, along with the 1.1 military families with children special.  We wouldn’t change a moment of it.

The Portraits of the Fallen Memorial

Since it is not granted to us to live long, let us transmit to posterity some memorial that we have at least lived.
E. Joseph Cossman

Portraitsof the Fallen Memorial is an organization founded by Sherry Moore to enlighten the public about the loss of our men and women in uniform.  The purpose of the Portraits of the Fallen Memorial is to commemorate the sacrifice of those America Military service members, from California, who have died while serving our country during the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.  This is done by establishing a memorial that identifies each soldier with an artist rendering of their image.  The goals of POTFM are very similar to so many great organizations but done in such a unique way.  Their main goals are to illustrate in an effective way the implications of service to our country, to educate the public about our country’s value of service, peace and freedom and over time to erect a permanent memorial of all portraits transferred to tile, with a reflection area. 

I met Sherry on Veteran’s Day at the USS Iowa, with many mutual friends and mutual respect of our fallen a partnership was made.  When she asked for assistance with this project I was more than happy to help.  Sherry was finally able to set up an art show with all 155 completed portraits at the Hillel Art Center at USC.  OVerjoyed is the only word to describe how everyone felt as this day got closer.  

 

Sunday morning I was both excited and nervous to take on the roll of VIP Family Coordinator for the Portraits of the Fallen Memorial Art Show.  I have worked with families of our fallen for many years and knew (the best I can understand) that this would be a very emotional day for many of them.  Seeing the face of your fallen loved one on a wall knowing that they are no longer with us is an emotional moment no matter how long it has been.  I arrived early and assisted with the set up and walked around looking at each of the 155 faces staring back at me.  Artists captured so many of these men and women to an amazing likeness and provided a story through each image. 

As both artists and families arrived I realized that each was just as nervous and excited to meet the other.  The day was spent showing families the art work of their fallen loved one and introducing them to the artist responsible. Seeing familiar faces and meeting new families is always touching.  Towards the end of the day I finally let the magnitude of the art show come across me; looking at the faces of daddy’s that didn't come  home, sons and daughters that had their lives ahead of them and parents weeping over the loss of their child.  The art show did as promised because it showed the faces of our fallen and reminded people that these are not just names in the LA Times or on a wall but people with loved ones and lives to live; lives cut short because of their call to duty, their honor and their commitment to our country and the freedom’s it provides. 

I have the honor of knowing the families of the two men below; neither family was able to attend the showing but I was very moved by the portraits done of each man.  

 

Army Sgt. Blue Rowe Killed in Afghanistan 5/26/09.  Husband to Cindy and father to Andrew

Army Sgt. David J. Almazan Killed in Iraq  8/27/2006.  Husband to Salina

I met the family of Army Spec. Andrew J. (AJ)Castro when they arrived.  His father, Hector, looked at his portrait with such pride and honor with tears in his eyes while his mother Carmen broke into tears, watching his family comfort this amazingly strong women was touching.  Both of Carmen’s sons went Army, AJ following in his brothers footsteps.  No matter how hard his father, Hector, tried to talk him out of it all AJ wanted was to serve our country and said he ended up learning so much about Patriotism from his conversations with his son.  I enjoyed talking to Carmen, Hector and the rest of the family about AJ, his joker side, his love of both California and our country. 

Thankful for the moments with each family, thankful to be invited into their world to get to know their loved one a little better and thankful for organizations like the Portraits of the Fallen Memorial showing the world how important each sacrifice is. 

Bishop Mule Days

Bishop Mule Days was founded 44 years ago by Bob Tanner, a local rancher and co-owner of the infamous 20-mule team.  Every year during the Memorial Day Weekend, more than 700 mules compete in 181 events at the Bishop Mule Days Celebration. There is no way to actually describe Mule Days. It is part mule show, part test of skills, and part Wild West show. Situated on the Tri-County Fairgrounds in Bishop, California, Mule Days has become an international world class event. Crowds have grown from 200 to more than 30,000 fans!  When I was asked to attend as the Grand Marshal representing all military families I was extremely touched and excited.  I grew up around horses and didn't realize how similar yet different mules can be.

I arrived in Bishop Friday morning and hit the ground running.  As I arrived at the Fairgrounds I was introduced to Chuck, a delightful gentleman with the California High School Rodeo Association.  He introduced me to the Queens from the California High School Rodeo Association and we were treated to a tour of the Mule Days fairgrounds and invited to attend Mule Days Founder Bob Tanner’s dinner party on his ranch with one stipulation… no heels.  As we walked around the fairgrounds meeting many of the competitors and mules I was surprised at how beautiful and majestic mules look.  They are great and sweet animals and very smart, there were many escaped mules over the weekend.  I was also fascinated by the many different types of mules, which are horses bred with donkey’s. 

Getting ready for Mr. Tanners barbecue was a little more challenging as I don’t have cowboy boots but thanks to the Boot Campaign I am the proud owner of a pair of military issued combat boots which I proudly wore to the party with my blue jeans and pink shirt to represent breast cancer awareness, the Mule Day’s theme for Friday.  The dinner hosted many local dignitaries and residents of the local convalescent hospital, including 4 WWII Veterans!  As I walked around speaking to each of them I learned so much.  Some of these men may not be able to remember a year ago but each of them remembered the events of the war and their battles in such vivid manner.  Ralph was part of a unit on the beaches of Normandy while Dennis was a Boatswains Mate with the 4th Marine unit landing at Iwo Jima.  I enjoyed my conversations with both of these men to such a large degree – learning about their families and lives.  Thank you isn’t enough.

Saturday morning brought the VIP breakfast where I was able to meet another military family in attendance that I would be riding along with in the parade.  James and Jessica are both Army Veterans and along with their 2 sons are very army strong!  It was wonderful getting to know them and their boys, very respectful young men.  It just so happened that 2 Marines were in the parade just behind us so along the route there was some good natured ribbing between the branches but I do believe HOOAH won.  The parade route was wonderful; Bishop is an extremely military proud and friendly community where I couldn't have felt more welcomed. 

After the parade I was able to fulfill one of my Mule Days requirements… riding a mule!  Miss Oregon Rodeo America lent me a pair of cowboy boots and a mule to ride.  I had a blast sitting atop of Biscuit and touring the fairgrounds.  Such a LARGE yet sweet animal that made me miss riding for sure.  At the end of Saturday I enjoyed watching the Grand Entry, evening competitions and spending some time with a childhood friend and her family. 

On my way out of town I stopped at Cobweb Antiques, a wonderful and quaint antique store with the sweetest owners.  I love antiques and was overjoyed to speak to them about their store (an old jail!) and the memories of many of the items being sold.  There is so much you can learn about an area by their antique stores.  Cobwebs store owner James gave me two beautiful pairs of antique earrings as good luck for Mrs International. 

I can’t say thank you enough to the wonderful town of Bishop and all of their residents, your generosity and hospitality were second to none.  I will be back next year without a doubt.  

Military Spouse of the Year Summit - Day 2

When you married the military, you joined the largest family in the world.

 

Early Friday morning I said my 'see ya laters' to Patty; I still hate leaving her house because it has always felt like a second home. As I headed into Washington DC I recapped the day before and was so excited to see what the day had in store. The drive in saw more traffic than I have to deal with in California which honestly says A LOT. When I arrived at our beautiful host hotel the Marriott Wardman Park, I realized how regal this property looks. 

As I checked in I was given my official MSOY cards and my certificate…. Yes I get to put one on the wall now! The Military Spouse of the Year Summit was a first of its kind and MilSpouse Magazine went above and beyond in every aspect. Opening remarks were from Adm. James A. Winnefeld, Jr., Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, this man is amazing in every sense of the word and I was honored to hear him speak. Out of the corner of my eye, in the hallway, I noticed Secret Service agents. I knew that they couldn’t possibly be there for the Admiral Winnefeld, mainly because my husband has explained more about the Secret Service than I ever hoped to know, so I was very excited to see who was in the hallway. The next introduction was our next speaker, Dr. Jill Biden, the 2^nd Lady of the United States! OH MY GOSH! Speechless and in awe as I listened to her talk about being a Blue Star Mom, about understanding deployments and repeating my FAVORITE quote of hers: "Military Spouses volunteer MORE in 1 year than most civilians do in a lifetime!" After her speech Dr. Biden invited us one by one to take a photo and spoke to us for a few moments. I couldn’t believe that I was taking a photo with the Vice President’s WIFE and that she genuinely listened and cared about what we each had to say.
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All Military Installation Winners

GO ARMY!  Army Branch and Installation winners

With Dr. Jill Biden 

The rest of the summit brought a wealth of information. The Panelists were exactly what we each needed. The first panel consisted of past MSOY winners providing their thoughts and advice on how to use this opportunity to its fullest. The second panel consisted of military spouses that are involved in different federal hiring programs for military and their spouses. This was a moment for me to ask about their availability to our Gold Star Families who often feel that the programs no longer pertain to them. I found out that they do – each program for Military Spouses ALSO pertains to our Gold Star spouses as they are STILL military spouses. The final panel consisted of 2 lobbyists for military programs and a woman whose organization is helping change laws for portability in law careers. It was interesting to hear the view from this panel on how they are assisting congressional leaders in making a difference for military families.

As I headed home Friday night I was full of excitement and almost felt that I was leaving behind a fairy tale. The information that I was able to come home with was invaluable. I want to thank Victory Media, Military Spouse Magazine and everyone involved in this event for everything. Each of us took information and friendships back to our individual installations; information I know will help. I also want to thank the Got Your Back Network for their support in this endeavor and allowing me the opportunity to represent our organization every day.

For me – For the first time in a long time, as an Army Reserve Wife, I was able to feel included. When you are a Reserve Wife you are surrounded by more civilian than you are military. With each deployment I am explaining every acronym, feeling and thought to individuals who truthfully don’t understand the military life because we are of the 1%. On the MSOY trip I was able to just say something and the other spouses just ‘got it’… such as SFC, SLC, Deployment, R&R and the list goes on. Thank you to each spouse for that. The memories and friendships made will not be forgotten.

As I head into the rest of my year as both Mrs. California International and California’s Military Spouse of the Year I will hold this weekend in my heart and continue to do everything I can for military families in California and our Gold Star Families.

Operation Homefront

On April 24^th I attended OperationHomefront’s open house event to dedicate and show their new warehouse. Their warehouse houses basic needs for families such as food and diapers. I absolutely love Operation Homefront and all they do for our active duty military families; everything from emergency food assistance to vehicle repairs to families in need. They also hold an Operation Military Child competition each year to recognize the hard work and community service by our military children.

 

Operation Homefront:

MISSION: Operation Homefront (OH) provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded warriors.


VISION: Through generous, widespread public support and a collaborative team of exceptional staff and volunteers, we aspire to become the provider of choice for emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded warriors. Where there is a need we do not provide, we will partner with others for the benefit of our military families.

I was able to spend the evening talking to various military members and their spouses about life and needs. Most of the conversations were about lack of time - always feels like a deployment is looming. Although being able to sit and talk to many military families about the stresses and obstacles that we face in addition to facilities that are there to help us through these challenges, made it a great event. It's often the case that families just don't know about all of the services offered to assist in times of need - organizations like Operation Homefront that are there every step of the way to help. I also had the opportunity to discuss PTSD from a spouse’s point of view, in addition to the point of view of providing aid to spouses after suicide through Got Your Back. It's always a tough subject and occasionally can be very polarizing because many just don't understand however in that environment everyone was safe to be honest.