Well this could be a really long post, so I will try and condense it as much as possible! But about a year ago, Ben became interested in the joining a military reserve unit. He researched the National Guard and the other military divisions before deciding that the Army was what he wanted. Why did he want to do this? Ask him, ha. It's a multi-faceted answer . . . I joke it's his mid-life crisis. But at least it wasn't a rash or impulsive one as he's had a year to think about it. But I think he's eager to advance his skills and to gain new experiences, to serve his country as well as his fellowmen, and to be an example to our kids. He has always enjoyed the stories and legacies of his grandfathers as well as my dad's service as well. Ben works with many individuals who have served in the Army and they are all extremely supportive and encouraging.

When he first began the application process, he was thinking he would be a part of a Denver unit. However, at the very end he was invited/requested/wanted to be a part of a "frontline" unit based out of Salt Lake City. Frontline = M.A.S.H, in my great way of explaining. :) His unit is basically be a triage unit for injured soldiers and civilians, until they are stabilized enough to send to a hospital. While Ben was sad to not get to see his family each month, he was thrilled with the assignment and at least he'll get to see my family each month. :)

The Captain Ben has been working with, Captain McGee, informed Ben that for his commissioning he could have any military Captain perform the commissioning. So Ben asked my Dad - who was very happy and excited to do so. After a lot of scheduling back-and-forth we were finally able to settle on Monday, August 10th, for Ben's commissioning. My mom was able to get out of work and come down with my dad that Monday (she's working with the Census . . . well until she quits. :) ). Captain McGee left that afternoon from Colorado Springs . . . only to get stopped and subsequently turned around at Glenwood Springs (big forest fire). We were all so bummed. But, luckily due to Covid-19, Zooming these commissionings has become a thing and so we were able to get permission to Zoom it. Yay! It was awesome - it was our family, my parents in-live, Ben's parents via Zoom, Captain McGee, and another Captain/Sargent?

There we all are - on the computer in our backyard. :)

It was my dad's first time commissioning someone, and they both did great. "One of the best," said Cpt. McGee. But maybe that's what he always says . . . :)

Here is the link to the commissioning: https://youtu.be/jZL8CgOL7vs

The newly commissioned Ben. I wish I would have gotten a better picture - and one with my mom and other children! Oh well . . .

I had promised my mom I would make gyros with homemade naan - so we did. My mom helped a bunch and it was sooooo delicious (my dad is not a fan at all of gyros, so Miles brought him home a Crash Burger and fries - which he loved, so win-win). Ben and I had made this pie on Sunday - awesome!

A new adventure has begun . . .