Remembering Our Veterans

Today's forecast for St. Peters: Light rain, chance of storms, high 49 degrees.

As I look outside, I watch rain slice across the window pane and the wind scatter fallen leaves. On this overcast day, it seems fitting to take time to remember our veterans--those who have served, those who have changed, and those who have gone from here.

Here's my list of veterans special to me.
Members of my family:
* Walter Volkenannt - My husband, U.S. Air Force (67-71) and Vietnam Veteran (70-71).
* Walter Erik Volkenannt - My son, an Army soldier (93-96).
* James P. Duly, Sr. - My dad, an Army soldier (41-46), 96th Infantry Division, World War II disabled veteran.
* James P. Duly, Jr. - My brother, an Army soldier (70-73) and Vietnam Veteran (72).
Childhood friends:
* James Donnelly - Army soldier. A classmate from Holy Name grade school, took me to our eighth grade dance, gave me my first corsage, died in Vietnam in 1969.
* Mike Blassie - Air Force pilot. Took me to my senior prom, MIA/KIA in Vietnam in 1972, buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, his remains were returned to St. Louis in 1998.

I invite you to post your memories about veterans who've touched your life, say thanks to those who have served, or remember them in your thoughts and prayers.

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This is an addition to my original post

Thanks to Margo, Magdalin, Sheree, and Jodi for sending me the names of and stories about these veterans:

Margo Dill honors:
* Her husband, Rick Balinski, who was in the Air Force for six years.
* Her friend, Dan Regan, who was called to active duty during the Iraq War as a part of the National Guard.

In Margo's words, "I am thankful that we have so many people who have served our country."

Magdalin Szabo honors:
* Her younger son, Nicholas, a veteran of “Dessert Storm.”

Sheree Nielsen honors:
* Her dad, who was in WW II in the Navy as a Chief PettyOfficer on the USS Vestal that was a repair sub that was stationed in theSouth Pacific. In Sherre's words, "He served our country well."
* Her hubby was in Andrews Air Force in Washington DC area, satellitecommunications for four years, and supported people in the Pentagon.

Jodi Webb honors:
* Her father, who was a SeaBee in the Navy in the mid 50's (after Korea before Vietnam). He spent his time driving construction equipment and stringing electrical wires. And his favorite story--when he was in Morocco he drove the base band to the palace to play for the princess's 16th birthday.

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To recognize the contributions of our veterans and their families, I will be giving away one copy of A Cup of Comfort for Military Families, which was released today and includes my true story, "Welcome Home. " Several of the veterans near and dear to me are mentioned in my story. To enter, send an e-mail by Thursday, Nov 13, to dvolkenannt@charter.net with Welcome Home in the subject line. Include your name, e-mail and mailing address. I will announce the name of the winner on Friday, Nov 14.

To all veterans and their family members, thank you for your service and sacrifices.