War Talk, Family Style

Anyone who reads my blog knows how I feel about our military and their families.

I was brought up in a PROUD military family, that spaned two generations.

Both of my parent's fathers served in the military

and all of my father's brothers have served.

My father retired as a Ltc Col and now is an Army Civilian.

I'm military proud and an ARMY strong supporter

through and through.

My dad's father, GPJ retired as an Army Colonel

and flew a medivac both in

the Korean War

and Vietnam.

I've always wanted to hear stories from GPJ

regarding his time serving over seas.

But, like many service men and women of his era

he chooses to NOT talk about his time
fighting in the war.

Last night was an amazingly rare and raw sharing moment
between me, GPJ and my daddy.

I walked into the conversation late,
but immediately realized the importance
of the stories and
of the moment.

Honestly, while GPJ was reminiscing
I felt like I was in the presence of a baby deer.
I tried to be so still and quiet
so I didn't ruin the moment.

He shared some very interesting, funny,
heart warming, and saddening stories.
I was able to ask a few questions
and my dad was able to record
them on his iPhone.

All too soon, the moment was over
as he went to get ready for dinner.

But, that moment in time
will be with me for the rest of my life.

It will be the moment I tell my children about.

It is something that will warm my heart
when anyone mentions veterans.

 I want to share his stories,
but he is a very private man
and even though he doesn't know about this blog,
I want to respect his privacy.

Thank you GPJ for being such an amazing 
helicopter pilot
father
grandfather
veteran
and example of a man!

I LOVE YOU!