Lily & Lila's Mommy!

So today I wanted to say thank you to the men in my family that served in the military and fought in our wars, but a facebook status update between my posts about food poisoning and my new bleach blonde hair didnt seem appropriate or nearly enough.

My Dad served in the US Navy in the 60's and I am pretty sure he got out in the early 70's. I dont know the exact details because I have never really prodded my Dad for the information. When he wants to talk about his past in the service I am always open to hear it, but usually its not something he wants to talk about. My dad fought in the Vietnam war in 1969. Again, there are a few stories I know by heart, but for the most part all I know is that my Dad served in the Navy, was deployed in Vietnam in 1969, worked on the river boats, was a welder, and was hit in the ankles by shrapnel.

Once when I was a kid I asked my Dad what war was like. He answered with one word, hell. Later in life we were sitting in the living room watching a movie, Saving Private Ryan, my dad started the movie and said "Lauren, you asked me what war is like, watch the first 10 minutes of this movie and you will understand." I have never gotten past the first 10 minutes of that movie.

My uncle Larry was also in the service during the Vietnam war. He was in the Air Force, and I am pretty sure he was an officer. Sadly, because of exposure to Agent Orange, my uncle developed terminal brain cancer and passed away in 1987. I wish I had a chance to get to know him, but from what I have heard he was an extremely intelligent and pretty awesome guy!