Thursday, May 21, 2009

Memorial Day . . . May 25th . . . It is NOT just a day off from work!


I am normally not a frequent reader of the daily newspaper, but this week I've been housesitting for my parents and have had access to their paper. I happened upon an article that said deadline approaching to nominate a Veteran (in our town) for an extreme landscape makeover. I decided Sgt.Dub would be a deserving Veteran, so I nominated him.

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to nominate my husband as a Veteran deserving of an “Extreme Landscape Makeover”. My husband joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 1994, shortly after our daughter was born. From a very young age, he had a burning desire to serve his country. He attempted to enlist during Operation Desert Shield in 1990, but was turned away due to a knee injury. However, he didn’t let that stop him! He continued working hard, furthering his education, and providing a safe and secure life for our family. During the time that he was away at basic training, the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building occurred. This random act of terrorism only solidified his need and desire to serve his country. When he returned to Oklahoma, he began a new career field as a police officer with the Oklahoma Capitol Patrol, and for the last 10 years, has served with the Oklahoma City Police Department (due in large part for his strong desire to serve, protect and ensure a better life for his family and the citizens he serves).

I am extremely proud of my husband, and it is difficult to find the words to explain why I feel he deserves to be considered for this prize. When I hear the word “Veteran”, I immediately think of someone from past generations -- someone who has served in a World War, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, etc. As far as “Veterans” are concerned, my husband is a fairly “new” one. However, all Veterans are the same . . . they ALL deserve our respect and appreciation! Veterans have placed their lives on the line in service of our country. They have left behind family, friends, jobs, etc. to be placed on the frontlines of battle, protecting our freedom and this great Nation!

A little background on my husband . . . he was first deployed with the Oklahoma Army National Guard in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in August 2003 to August 2004. Prior to my husband’s first deployment, we lived in a cramped housing addition in south OKC. During the deployment, with the help of family and friends, we managed to maintain the house and yard and keep everything running while he was away serving our country. My husband’s lifelong dream was to own land and horses. As soon as he returned in 2004, we began searching for land in the area, and eventually settled down on 5 acres west of town. We had grand plans for our new home (which included landscaping and planting lots of trees!) Our plans (and lives) were put on hold yet again when he deployed once again to Afghanistan in 2006. Needless to say, our yard suffered during his absence. He was kind enough to purchase a new lawn tractor before he left, which made life a little easier.

My husband is always drawing plans, bringing home samples, colors and ideas to make our yard extraordinary. However, these are only dreams, as we struggle to make ends meet (as so many other Oklahomans do), and landscaping is just “not in the budget”. Our dream is to create a sanctuary around our home, a place where we can sit and enjoy a beautiful Oklahoma sunrise or sunset. Our life is truly blessed, and we are grateful for what we have. We realize that there are so many deserving Veterans, and your decision will be difficult. It is our hope and prayer that perhaps this day, you will select Sgt.Dub as the Recipient of the “Extreme Landscape Makeover”!

God Bless the USA, and God Bless All of our Men and Women Who Serve in the Armed Forces!

Sincerely,
Mrs. Dub

2 comments:

Dean aka Sgt Dub said...

Thank you honey, I love you too.

Sarge Charlie said...

very nice Mrs Dub, thank you for all you have given, we could not have got along without Sgt Dub.