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I never really understood Veterans Day when I was younger. I
knew people who had been in war but I didn't know anyone in a war
at the time. It really hit me when September 11 happened. It hit more
at home when my sister decided to join the ROTC Air Force while
attending the University of Minnesota. I personally thought she was
crazy. I didn't think she was going to make it. She wasn't in any
sports in High School but she kept in shape. She proved me wrong
by making it through training (with the help of my family sending
her singing cards which is a story in itself). She became an Officer,
got relocated to Germany, became a Lieutenant, had her two beautiful
children, Amelie and Anders, and now lives in North Dakota at
the Minot Air Base where she was promoted to Captain. I still have
no idea what her job title is but without her being in her job position,
I don't think the Air Force would function (okay maybe not that dramatic).
We may have not always seen eye to eye and we have had
our ups and downs but she is still my sister and I am proud to call
her that and I am thankful for all she has done for this country. Her
along with 2 cousins and an uncle in the Navy, one cousin in the
Marines and more in the Army and several friends in the military, I
am proud of everyone and would love to thank them for all they do.
In December my sister will be shipped over to Osan, South Korea
where she will be there for a year and start a new adventure with the
Air Force. So if you see Captain Brenda Martin or any other veteran,
give them a hug, a hand shake and a big thank you.