Service, Duty, and Honor

I hope it's no secret that I love this man.  He would never want me to write this post, but it's a part of our family story, and that is what I'm trying (sometimes harder than others!) to record on this blog, plus, he doesn't read my posts, so serves him right!!!  A few weeks ago, John took command of the 931st Maintenance Operations Flight in a ceremony steeped in Air Force tradition. 

"Taking" command

John loves what he does, but mainly who he serves with

Kate being presented with flowers toward the end of the ceremony

We were so happy to have Pops and Mimi here to celebrate with us!

The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!

One more pic with my Johnny after a celebratory lunch at McAlister's

 So, really this post isn't so much about the ceremony, but just an opportunity to say a few good things about the man I love.  John had to convince me (like over a 2 year period!) that it would be a good thing for him to join the Reserves.  In the end, his love for airplanes won out.  The more I get to see him in this role in uniform, I realize that it's really not about the airplanes (though he does love them!), it's about the people.  John really cares about the people he works with and for and they know it.  Many people (I used to be one of them) think that a reservist works one weekend a month and two weeks out of the year.  Actually, it's more like maintaining two full time jobs.  He has many of the same requirements he had while on active duty and a fraction of the time to complete them.  His reserve days and weekends are just as important to him as the time he spends at his "regular" job.  John works tirelessly for our family and our country, and I am grateful (though sometimes, I complain :o( ... just being honest!)  He is a true example of putting service before self, and quite simply, he is my hero.