Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Happy Veteran's Day

Definitely my favorite Veteran ....
(and so handsome too!)

**This picture was taken in his Formal uniform in front of an original oil painting behind him made at 22 years old in Toyoko for the price of one package of cigarettes.

Don Brooke (my Paw Paw) entered the USAF in 1948 going directly into Pilot Training as an Aviation Cadet.  A year later, graduated with silver wings and a Second Lieutenant bars.  His first pilot assignment was in Germany and then moved to Korea after the onset of the war.  In 1952, he finally returned to "The States" and was an instructor pilot, graduated Navigator/Bombardier school, flew B-47 and B-52 in Strategic Air Command, and was Deputy Commander of CEG.

He retired November 1, 1970 as a USAF Colonel with 22 years of active service.  I remember spending summers in Lubbock with my grandparents and learning what the "retired life" looked like.  He explained it as getting paid to sleep -- haha, but I didn't get to see all the difficult years that went into it.

Thank you Paw Paw, and all of the other men and women, for your dedication and years of service for our country!
Photobucket

35 comments:

Kelly said...

i love this post! he looks so handsome in his uniform :)

Brown Girl said...

Great post, thank you to your Paw Paw!

Cassie said...

Excellent post. I am keeping the troops in my prayers today!

Teresa said...

Sweet sweet Kelsey Girl!
I called my PawPaw...PawPaw too!
XXOOX
Oh...and my MawMaw...I called her MawMaw!
XXOOXX

Anonymous said...

love this post girl!! My pawpaw was a retired SeaBea. Hope your having a great day! xoxo

Unknown said...

What an awesome post lady. I loved it!

Jax said...

Love this. My grandpa was a colonel, too! Sending thank you to your paw paw and all the others who have risked their lives for our freedom! Good post, chica!

Jenny DB said...

Love this Kelsey:) thank you to your grandpa, and mine! and all of the Veterans !!!!

courtney said...

What a cute post!

Unknown said...

So sweet! Thank your Paw Paw for me!

Kristen said...

What a great picture...
and a wonderful post to honor him and all our service men and women!

Patty Ann said...

That is an awesome picture! And Happy Veteran's Day!!!

Unknown said...

That's a hero for ya!!! Great post lady. Miss our chats...sorry i've been so M.I.A lately. Hey i'm heading to "the Square" Saturday if you want to meet up for lunch.

Dezzy Lou Where Are You said...

tell him thanks!!!

Stephanie said...

awesome! go USAF! ;) (i'm partial)

Naturally Caffeinated Family said...

I loved reading! Thank you to your Paw Paw! He sounds like a wonderful man=) Great post=)

d.a.r. said...

So sweet!!

Lauren Lee said...

What a nice post, I saw the veteran's parade today on 5th ave it was like allll day! good reason though :) Thanks for following me. Love your blog!

xo LA

Cary Dale Taylor said...

A very special thanks from me to your Pap Paw.

Abbie said...

Oh I love it! Both of my grandfather's served in the military as well...our vets certainly are something to be proud of!!

Jessi said...

Thanks for the comment on my blog, i look forward to cathing up on yours!!!

allison said...

How sweet! I love that you made this post about your grandfather. It's so sentimental

Samantha said...

My Grandpa was lifetime USAF too! He even wore his dress blues to my wedding! The only other time he did that was for my mom's wedding. It was so much fun!

Anonymous said...

What a great post! Thank you Pawpaw!! Happy Humpday!

Abby said...

AWWWW Paw Paw looks so handsome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bobbi said...

What a great post! My dad is a Vietnam veteran and I am so proud of him!

All military personel, past and present are hero's to me! Give Paw Paw a big hug and thank you from an honored American.

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Many thanks to your Paw Paw and all the other brave me and women who have served or still are!

Love from Texas said...

nice to meet you! i found you through a friend, and now i see you're from dallas? small world - we live in the dfw 'burbs!

The Sturgeon Family said...

What a sweet post. In response to your comment- my father-in-law works for an oil company (not exactly sure what he does) so they move around oversees quite a lot. They lived in Russia for 3 years prior to moving to Dubai.

Jane said...

What a great pic! Happy Veteran's day to your dad!

Laura and Ryan said...

Happy Veteran's day to your paw paw!

Susan said...

Great Post! Thanks for sharing:)

Crazy Shenanigans-JMO said...

Aw, he's super handsome!

Shanny said...

awww, I love this! Paw Paw looks very handsome indeed =)

brit said...

Thanks for sharing that story!! And, thanks to your Paw Paw for his service!

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