HEROES AMONG US

There are moments in our lives that we will always treasure and on Saturday, June 16th I experienced one of those moments. At Oregon's 1st All Military Gala I was accompanied by my son, CPL William Riecke, along with his Marine brother, CPL Rich Cervantes. Both are veterans of OIF. And, are two of my most favorite heroes.

The Salem Conference Center Grand Ballroom was filled with members of our military, past, present and future. Almost every uniform from five branches of the military were worn, recognized, and honored. It was a night for royalty.

But, sometimes in life you are given an opportunity, like spying a movie star, or getting an autograph from a living legend. Well, on June 16th I had that kind of night. I was honored to be in the same room with hundreds of Real American Heroes, heroes that you will not read about in the sports section of your daily newspaper or hear about on Entertainment Tonight. These are heroes who live among us, who for the most part live regular lives, earning a livable wage, and literally do not believe they are heroes. They are our veterans, a GI, Marine, Sailor or Airman.

If you have never heard of John Finn or Jim Taylor or George Sakato you might google their names and read about Real American Heroes. These men are just a few of our living Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. They did not receive an award for their military service, they EARNED it. George Sakato finally received the CMOH in June 2000, just 73 years after a moment in time in which Private Sakato made a split second decision that saved the lives of many in his platoon, and distinguished him as a Real American Hero. He says it was just "road rage."

So, given that "moment in time" I seized the opportunity to dance with a legend, a Real American Hero, Private George Sakato.

Sunset at the Santa Monica pier

Wow, what a beautiful sunset. During my trip to S. California this summer we spent a day at the beach in Santa Monica. It was a beautiful day with warm water, great seafood, and good company. Friends, Ed and Linda Zurey were part of our sight seeing group. We had a great time in Hollywood, which included the wax museum and walk of stars......but nothing beat the sunset at Santa Monica pier....

Taking after his dad....

Hey, it was a difficult day yesterday. Lil Bill had an early morning visit to the pediatrician, two shots and a trip with mom to Target. It was definitely a day for a little potion.......he learned that from his dad and grandma I think......

OPERATION SANTA USMC

It's that time of year again....Operation Santa USMC. For those of my friends and family who have supported me and forgiven me for the past four years while I have coordinated this national troop support project for our US Marines and soldiers, THANK YOU! But, I'm not finished yet.. This year we will be sending even more packages to those brave Marines who will be away this holiday season. It's a small gift compared to the gift of freedom and security these men and women give us every day. And, I can sure use the help if anyone is interested in volunteering time or money to help finance this project. Shipping costs continue to be our biggest hurdle. Volunteers and coordinators all over the country are working to make the holiday season a bit merrier for our Marines and soldiers. It has become a huge part of my life and the life of my family. Every year people ask me why am I still doing troop support projects. Well, that is a very simple question. My son and his buddies returned home after two and three deployments from Iraq. I am thankful. Today a friend emailed me to tell me that her two sons just left this fall for Iraq. I am still a Marine mom supporting sons and daughters and until they all come home I will find ways to support them to safely return from their journey. It's my way to say thank you for watching my sons back and for giving my family the freedoms we have each day. SEMPER FI

Off to the Horse show

Shea and Cowgirl In Jeans, also known by Billie, are off to a horse show in Eugene. What used to take three days to get ready, load and go is now a one night packing and off to the big show. I have recently had to realize just how grown up my "baby" is as she goes to work everyday, does the laundry on a regular basis, and now goes to horse shows without her groom, better known as "mom". Someone recently told her that I raised her right. But, what I have learned is I have three children very alike, full of responsibility, head strong, speaks their minds and takes action. One became a Marine, one of an elite group of America's Bravest and most powerful. One choses to live her life her way without regrets. The third we realized was very grown up before her time, with a strong sense of what is real, what is right and most importantly that its better to lead than to be led. I agree

Aloha

We arrived on Friday afternoon to a very sunny afternoon. One of our first attractions was the USS Arizona Memorial. It is a very solemn event to attend such a memorial for so many brave sailors, Marines and soldiers. We are grateful for the US Military who protect us all. Thank you!