A Salute to Those Who Serve

Brother and I at TCU game

Today is Veteran's Day. Stop for a moment and look around. We live in the land of the free, and all because men and woman around the country decided to put their lives on hold to ensure our freedom. They are brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, mothers and fathers. They come from all walks of life, all shapes, colors, and backgrounds. They chose the life for different reasons, but at the end of the day they protect our lives.

I come from a family of vets. All of my uncles served and my brother is an Army guy! I remember when he told my mother and I he was going to enlist after high school. I'm pretty sure my mom did not speak to him for like 2 months. But there he went, 2 weeks after graduation to basis training. My mom bawled. But I think it made my brother and I closer. He wrote me letters. I loved going to the mailbox and seeing those envelopes. I was so proud of him. Although he wasn't far, he seemed miles away.

At my wedding

Then he was sent to Korea. I thought my mom was going to die and I felt like I was losing my best friend. Off to Osan Air Force base he went. For 15 months. He got a webcam, but back then there was no sound or skype, so he typed we saw his face. He ate random food he picked from a picture on a menu and showed us his life. Christmas we watched him cook his meal. He was there during 9/11. I remember being a freshman at TCU and him calling me literally seconds the first tower fell. It was quick, but I will never forget it.

When my brother returned, he decided to use his GI bill to attend college, where else, but TCU. He got in and got into the ROTC program. I was so proud again. My goal was to beat him in the 2-mile run, but never did. It gave me pride to see him post the colors at football games while I twirled behind him with the band.

Today I feel blessed and honored to know and love a former Army man. I am proud beyond belief and words cannot express my gratitude. I was also honored to attend law school with several veterans and had great professors who served. So hug a vet today. Lend them a hand, tell them you are thankful for what they do. And remember they risk their lives to protect ours.