April 21, 2005

We are just now leaving Mt. Home AFB after having spent the past 10 days preparing for and then enjoying Brian's change of command last Thursday. Brian's pilot from Desert Storm, now retired, was here as well as Sheila's mother, Betty, cousin Curt Johnson and Colleen and Craig. Our friends, Bob and Sharon Jayne drove down from Spokane, and the wife of one of Brian's fraternity brothers also attended.

The change of command was held in a hanger with the guests facing the door to the outside where an F-15E was front and center. Seated on thep odium at the front were the wing commander, the outgoing CO, and Brian. It was a short but very patriotic and military ceremony. Afterwards, Brian and Sheila hosted a reception at the club and then we moved on to their house for the rest of the evening.

We usually see Sheila's mom, Betty, on a regular basis for some family affair, but it has been several years since we have been together, so it was wonderful to see her. She lives in Virginia, and we will see her again in June when we are in Maryland for Sarah's graduation.

And this week we were hit with the bombshell that Keith has been recalled by the Army. The letter was waiting for him when he returned from Spokane after Pat's service, but he did not tell any of us until after Brian's change of command. I consider ours to be a pretty military and patriotic family, but right now I only feel ill will toward George Bush, his cabinet, and every other individual responsible for our being in Iraq. I didn't believe we should have been there in the first place.

Keith was passed over for major almost ten years ago and was paid to leave the army. Then he was subsequently declared 30% disaabled (hearing and knees) due to his years in a tank. But there was to be no disability monies paid to him until all of the severance money was repaid. And now comes the final blow. He hasn't even been in a tank for over twelve years as he left armor and worked in acquisition. He is scheduled to be back in the army for 18 months to go to Iraq and take almost a 50% pay cut.

We just have to keep reminding ourselves that there are lots of families who have been affected similarly, but who have other major issues such as single parents, aging parents and severe financial hardships. Every one of Keith and Janet's friends and family will be available to them for whatever they might need.

We are enroute to the Washington wine country for at least one day since we have one prepaid night at the Wine Country RV Park in Prosser. This is the spring barrel tasting week end so there should be lots to see and do and taste. I imagine we will be making our way home by the end of the week end.

Our next trip will be to fly to Maryland mid-May for Sarah's graduation.

Ciao