Veteran's Day Eve.

My dad is the most selfless man I've ever known and he never ceases to amaze me.  Tomorrow is Veteran's Day and my dad proudly represented the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.  Every year, I call my dad to thank him for his service to our country, not only as his very proud daughter but as an American citizen.

This year, at my dad's urging, I plan to not only thank him but to extend my thanks to other men and women who have served our country.  As Americans, we are very lucky to have people all over the world made up of the same selfless fabric that I've seen in my dad.

I will end with a recent e-mail from my dad to our family.  I sure hope he doesn't mind me making this public without his consent but I think he's got the right idea, as usual.  I plan to draft some letters tonight. 

Love you, dad!  

All:

I really appreciated all you've written to me personally on Veterans Days past.  I know you all recognize and value my service time.  This year, and in future years, however, I have a special request.

Please ----- instead of a heartfelt note sent to me ----- send a note, written, or emailed, card, or postcard to the resident veterans at one of your local VA hospitals.  I know they'd appreciate hearing from you.  If so inclined, even consider a volunteer visit, or task, at the same location at some time. If you call and inquire, I'm sure they'd be able to outline many opportunities for you to consider.  I'm planning on doing the same, although the service part probably is not going to happen with me until I've retired.

Another thing you may wish to consider is making a donation of various items, not money, that are needed through the USO.  They provide stuff in real time to military folks worldwide.  Beef jerky --------- yessssss.

Like I said, I know you're appreciative of what I've done in the past.  And I do sincerely appreciate that.  This year, and in the years that follow, please turn that effort toward others significantly more deserving.

OK?

I love you all, and I'm glad I had the opportunities to serve! (Go Navy!)

Me/Dad W.
xo, xo, xo, xo, xo

As a side note, Navy beat Notre Dame this past weekend - truly an early Veteran's Day present for many football fans!!