My daughter, the soldier
We just saw our only daughter, Kirsten, off at the airport. She's on her way back to boot camp at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. As you can see in this photo, she seems really happy with her decision to join the Army.
It was a decision, though, that I did not take well when she informed us that she wants to serve in the minilitary. Her brother Kevin by this time was also serving in the Naval Reserve and was preparing to go to Iraq. Can you imagine how Mark and I felt about this news. First it was Kevin, and now Kirsten. Both want to serve our country in a very real sense. It was indeed a scary thought, with two wars, real wars on the horizon for them. But then, they are both grown and they want to spend part of their lives serving their country. I can't be in the way of their noble desire. 
Kirsten saying goodbye to her Dad.
At the airport, with Kristen in her fatigues, a number of people approached her to thank her. Although she's only at boot camp and has not exactly done much other than basic training, I guess people appreciate her willingess to help protect our country and world peace. I couldn't be more proud of her, and of course, Kevin, who actually went to Iraq, has returned home and has moved on to a great job in Washington, D.C. I too am grateful to them and all the soldiers now serving our country, and those who died protecting our country.
God bless America!