I've been lucky so far, we haven't lost any family throughout generations of service from the oldest member remaining member of my family who served in the secret wars in Nicaragua in the 30's (My Grandfather is almost 102!)

I'm only about three miles from Arlington and was delighted to hear the roar of the pipes for the annual Rolling Thunder tribute as thousands of motorcyclists of every race, creed, color, religion, sex, or sexual preference decended on Washington DC to remember the fallen.

I thank you all for your tributes and will silently keep the day as I work here in my office. Only about six months remaining in my military career.