Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Perfect

Today was the perfect start to our Veteran's Day Weekend.   Kate, (who was born on Richard's first Veteran's Day), turned 4 and Richard officially pinned on the rank of LTC.

74 degrees
Sunny 
Perfect






I changed out the rank on his uniform.  Hanson Ellis changed out the rank on his beret.  






The vows ... this is where I tear up:).  So humbled by the heart of my soldier!















And here, one of my most favorite people.  Retired General Anthony J. Tata.  He was one of Richard's very first Battalion Commanders at the 82nd Airborne Division.  I've never seen anyone work as hard as he did ... with as much dedication as he had ... and he had the most compassionate heart for the families, too.  When Richard was in Afghanistan, Gen Tata met him for lunch one day.  He gave him two coins ... one for him and one to bring home to me.  I keep mine in my van where I see it daily.  It inspires me to continue to "be all I can be."  Gen Tata is a true leader ... an amazing American ... and, I am honored to call him a friend.  When I got his email this morning saying he was flying in from DC, I squealed like a school girl:).  Thank you so much for squeezing our little family into your day.  Your support of our family just symbolizes perfectly your support of every single family serving in the Armed Forces.  Gen Tata, you are inspiring and simply amazing.  This country is a success because of people like you!


Above, Parker, Hanson Ellis and their Aunt Rina.
Below, the birthday girl.





The Davenport clan (part of it).  Richard's Dad was a Major. His Uncle John retired a COL.  His Aunt Judy will retire a COL this December.  





My sweet girls.  
There Daddy took a vow to continue to voluntarily defend our country.  
They piled rocks in the nooks of a tree.  
And Kate.  Oh Kate.  
I wonder if she'll remember pulling her socks up this way:).

5 comments:

  1. Oh how wonderful!! I thought of you all when I was sitting in our school gym during a Veterans program our school put on. My eyes are burning this evening from the tears shed earlier today, what amazing men and women we have willing to fight for our lives, more personally, my life. Thank you, thank you!

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  2. Oh, I wish we could have been there! We are so proud!

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  3. Oh and a big Happy Birthday to Kate!

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  4. What a wonderful day you guys had. Molly used to do that with her socks and she would wear them inside out so the seam didn't touch her toes.
    Congrats again Lt.Col. and family. Very cool to see your pictures I've been looking forward to seeing them all day. Glad you had such a good day.

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  5. What a wonderful double celebration for you all ... congratulations to both!

    LOVE that last photo with the little sparkly shoes ;-)

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