Say Thanks to Our Troops

On this Veteran's Day, I want to pay tribute to all of the veterans out there who have unselfishly served our country. 

Grandpa H

Thank you!

While so many of the veterans from the Greatest Generation have passed on, we need to remember that there is a whole new generation (really more than one) of veterans who deserve our respect, support and gratitude.

Also, thank you to the men and women (and their families) who are actively serving our country. Thank you for all that you sacrifice to keep us safe.

Every year I say I'm going to do something for the troops around the holidays but I admit, I have never done more than make a donation to the USO. This year I am committed to doing more and I think I have found a way to get it done.

Indiana has a great program supported by our Lt. Governor called Hoosier Cheer for Our Heroes. It's a card and letter campaign designed to provide support and words of encouragement to our U.S. troops.

I'm going to ask my nephews if they want to write a note or draw a picture to send to the troops. I think this would be a great opportunity to talk to them about giving back to others.

Are you a Hoosier?  If so, here's some more info...

To participate mail your card directly to the Lt. Governor’s office at:

Office of the Lt. Governor Becky Skillman

c/o Hoosier Cheer for Our Heroes 

200 West Washington Street, Suite 333

Indianapolis, IN 46204

Don't think you have the time to send a card? Don't worry...there's an even easier way to participate!

enGreet, an Indianapolis-based online greeting card company, is supporting the effort by allowing anyone to use their website to personalize and send a card. Visit www.engreet.com. The cards ordered through this website will be printed and mailed for FREE! How cool is that?

Here's the catch...you need to send your cards/notes or go online before Friday, November 18, to be sure your words of encouragement get to the troops in time for the holidays.

The Lt. Governor even offers these tips:

• Keep message light hearted and encouraging 

• Talk about your family, pets and hobbies, family traditions for the holidays and wishes for safety and success

• Be creative 

Things not to include: 

• Glitter, confetti or other messy art supplies on your card or letter 

• Candy, money or other items

Any other suggestions on how to thank our troops and their families this holiday season?

I Have Freedom...Thanks to Many

We are blessed with many freedoms that I, like many others, take for granted most days. I do NOT want to take it for granted today...Veteran's Day.

Many of the freedoms I enjoy come with a high price that many brave men and women throughout the years have paid so I can be sitting here on my couch writing this.

I truly believe that the strength of our nation was built on the ability to feed and defend ourselves. I think the future of our country also depends greatly on maintaining both of these abilities.

I'm lucky to have both farmers and soldiers in my family...more farmers than soldiers and some of the soldiers were also farmers, but farmers and soldiers nonetheless.

My maternal grandfather fought in World War II. He was one of several boys in his family and I think all - or at least most - of them were drafted into service.

During the war, farmers were given an exemption from the war so that the country could continue to feed itself and its soldiers. However, my grandfather's family only had one exemption and that went to the oldest son until the next son turned 18. Then the exemption was passed to that son and the oldest went to war. This happened more than once and eventually it was my grandpa's turn.

Here he is in uniform. Not sure where or when this was taken but I recognize the attitude as well as the ears...that's my grandpa!

I believe he was shipped to Europe in late 1944 and was almost immediately captured by the Germans and sent to a prison camp.

Several years ago, my grandma gave me his German Language Guide from the war. She wrote this in the back cover:

"Your grandfather was captured by the Germans on Dec. 17, 1944 near Luxembourg and was freed by the British in May 1945. The Army issued this booklet to him on his arrival overseas."

Those are powerful words that strike such emotion in me. I cannot imagine what he went through in those five months. He did not talk about his time there until his later years and then mainly to my father, his son-in-law.

Luckily he did make it through and came home to marry my grandma and raise eight children. He's been gone six years now.

Thank you, Grandpa! You are loved. You are missed.

So, on this Veteran's Day, let's say a prayer for all of the soldiers who have served or are serving our country, including my cousins who are Marines (I can't believe they are old enough to drive, let alone to be soldiers!).

God bless and watch over you.

Disclaimer: I didn't fact check everything in this post with my mom and grandma so if family is reading this and I didn't get something right, let me know!