Here's to all those who have served and are serving this great country.

I served 6 years in USN as MM/ELT. 9 months on USS Dahlgren, DDG-12, and 2 1/2 years on USS Eisenhower, CVN-69. Between I did 6 months at NUCPWRSCHOOL and 9 months at prototype in Ballston Spa, NY.

My daughter served in Air Force 4 years active, 4 years inactive reserves. Her husband is FCT 1 on board Jone Paul Jones.

My son served in Operation Iraqi Freedom 1, Aug 2003 - April 2004 as platoon leader of armor unit, 1-13, in Khadymaya (sp?) Baghdad. Then from January 2005 - February 2006 as platoon leader of Scout/sniper unit for 1-13 out of Camp Taji, NW of Baghdad. He just got out last May.

All three of my brothers served, 1 retired as CDR, other two were enlisted. Father served in Pacific in WWII, Korea, and in Med for 1st Lebanon crisis, Engineering Officer of the USS Saratoga, CVA-60.

Have anscestors who served with CSA, on Mother's side, from SC and Father's side, from Maryland. Also Father's side includes several legislators jailed by Lincoln in Maryland, to prevent, or at least make them think about their votes on Maryland secession.

Finally, on Mother's side Capt Barker, who served with Francis Marion during Revolution and Father's side includes signer of Maryland Declaration of Rights.