My mother joined the Air Force in 1962 and was honorably discharged in 1965 when she married my father, a jet fighter aircraft mechanic.

For over 20 years, she was a devoted military wife, mother, and patriot. She followed her husband to England and Germany and moved the family all over the United States until my dad's retirement as a CMSgt in Phoenix, Arizona.

In late 2003, she was diagnosed with Progressive Bulbar Palsy. After a brave struggle for almost 5 years, she went to heaven while her family sat by her side.