Veterans We Thank You

Veterans, We Thank You!

Our family has served in the military for quite a few generations.  My father, two uncles, my brothers, the elder brother’s son and daughter, and our two sons.  We have so much to be thankful for but foremost is my father, Don ‘Tommy’ Thomas.

When he first entered the Navy in WWII, he was sent to the USS Wasp CV7.  The USS Wasp was sunk and he was one of many that were treading water.  The Navy then put him on the USS Kalinin Bay which was sunk three months after he had been on the sunken USS Wasp.  He was one of the blessed that made it out of each sinking and out of WWII.

I’m thankful for his courage, helping a fellow sailor stay afloat until help came.  He was pretty matter of fact about how he saved the sailor.  He described sharks coming in and bumping against his legs while he held the man’s head above water.  He described being on the ships as the kamikaze pilots did their death dive into them.

I’m sure if you had a parent in WWII, you heard about some of the harrowing circumstances they found themselves up against.  But we really have no real comprehension unless we were ‘walking in their shoes’.  We grew up not understanding how much they gave up for our nation.  The day comes as we also get older and our appreciation for their service is increased.

Family Tradition of Military Service

Our sons were Army and Navy, with the Navy son going on to become a Navy Chief and the Army son a Captain.  We’re so proud of them!

Veterans, we thank you! Rich Killingsworth (with Cathy his wife)

Our nation has been guarded and built on the lives of many veterans.  One day a year is not enough to really thank them.  I’m so glad businesses have come to believe that honoring and respecting them all year long is worth it.  Airlines call out for them to board before first class, restaurants hold special days to honor them with free meals, and so much more.  Make it a habit to go up to the uniformed military and thank them.  Teach your children to honor and respect them.  They’re doing the hard work for us.  If you’re a business, hire them when they come home and need a job.  Pray for them…you’ll never run out of someone to pray for!  There will always be our military serving, guarding and laying their lives down for us.

Do you have veterans in your family?  Thank them often….. pray for those still serving.

Veterans, We Thank You! Michael Perugini