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!
i love this post! he looks so handsome in his uniform :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post, thank you to your Paw Paw!
ReplyDeleteExcellent post. I am keeping the troops in my prayers today!
ReplyDeleteSweet sweet Kelsey Girl!
ReplyDeleteI called my PawPaw...PawPaw too!
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Oh...and my MawMaw...I called her MawMaw!
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love this post girl!! My pawpaw was a retired SeaBea. Hope your having a great day! xoxo
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome post lady. I loved it!
ReplyDeleteLove 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!
ReplyDeleteLove this Kelsey:) thank you to your grandpa, and mine! and all of the Veterans !!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute post!
ReplyDeleteSo sweet! Thank your Paw Paw for me!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great picture...
ReplyDeleteand a wonderful post to honor him and all our service men and women!
That is an awesome picture! And Happy Veteran's Day!!!
ReplyDeleteThat'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.
ReplyDeletetell him thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteawesome! go USAF! ;) (i'm partial)
ReplyDeleteI loved reading! Thank you to your Paw Paw! He sounds like a wonderful man=) Great post=)
ReplyDeleteSo sweet!!
ReplyDeleteWhat 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!
ReplyDeletexo LA
A very special thanks from me to your Pap Paw.
ReplyDeleteOh I love it! Both of my grandfather's served in the military as well...our vets certainly are something to be proud of!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment on my blog, i look forward to cathing up on yours!!!
ReplyDeleteHow sweet! I love that you made this post about your grandfather. It's so sentimental
ReplyDeleteMy 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!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! Thank you Pawpaw!! Happy Humpday!
ReplyDeleteAWWWW Paw Paw looks so handsome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! My dad is a Vietnam veteran and I am so proud of him!
ReplyDeleteAll military personel, past and present are hero's to me! Give Paw Paw a big hug and thank you from an honored American.
Many thanks to your Paw Paw and all the other brave me and women who have served or still are!
ReplyDeletenice 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!
ReplyDeleteWhat 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.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great pic! Happy Veteran's day to your dad!
ReplyDeleteHappy Veteran's day to your paw paw!
ReplyDeleteGreat Post! Thanks for sharing:)
ReplyDeleteAw, he's super handsome!
ReplyDeleteawww, I love this! Paw Paw looks very handsome indeed =)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that story!! And, thanks to your Paw Paw for his service!
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