By Jan Therkildsen
Here are a few of my weekend memories:
Ward Nickish presenting the U.S. Army Freedom Team Certificate of Appreciation to his Navy friends Jim Goss, Mike Peters, Pat Mendoza, and Tom Turnbull — for their outstanding support to the Army — and enjoying giving them a U.S. Army pin! (Plus dinner stories about Ward and his "lesser service" comments to his Navy friends . . . and how they got him back! Did all of you know Ward collects newspapers?)
Luis Lopez wearing a "TYLER THERKILDSEN" volunteer nametag all weekend (Norwegian, ya sure).
(Luis also received a US Army Freedom Team Certificate of Appreciation from Ward — and was very GLAD to receive the US Army pin!)
David Westphall saying: "For 19 years I've been coming here . . . this year I have something to say!"
(Boy did he — well done, David, and very well received by the Vietnam veterans! Kimberly was right – definitely a big stamp of approval by Grandpa & Grandma Westphall.)
David Westphall being asked for an encore. He repeated his Vigil speech for the Memorial Day crowd.
(I loved seeing the pleasure on David's face when the flyover occurred during his speech. "Cool!" he said. Flyover consisted of 2 helicopters that circled back and flew over once again.)
Kimberly Westphall's smooth and easy management of master of ceremonies duties at the Vigil. And upon hearing that she's been hired in Dallas, watching the Texas veterans making sure they exchanged contact information — she will be busy at veterans events in Texas!
The well attended memorial service on the hillside, by El Paso VVA No.574, for Lucio Moreno (1950-2009) Sunday afternoon.
Victor Flores (El Paso VVA No.574) once again nailing the "Missing Man Table" presentation.
Ada McArthur, Gold Star Wives representative, announcing that she had always wanted to sit on a Harley — and immediately being escorted to the parking lot!
New bricks on the Memorial Walkway (placed in September 2008) … including some for longtime volunteers and supporters Luis Lopez, Gus Gerber, Frank Richardson, Jim Goss, Red Flegal, Mike Peters, and Pat Mendoza.
Chuck Howe announcing plans for Veterans Health and Wellness services coming soon to the Moreno Valley.
Albuquerque VVA #318 and the 44th Army Band from Albuquerque … doing their usual wonderful and patriotic job.
Calling UNMH from Angel Fire to inquire about Susie Knutson and getting to talk to her to tell her about Kimberly and David's wonderful job. She was awake and was very pleased and proud.
(Susie is having a very hard time these days — still in ICU — still a great deal of pain and multiple health and healing issues. She asks that all send up big prayers for her!)
Studying the architectural drawings for the upcoming major remodel of the Memorial's Visitors Center … and finally deciding we'll understand it once we get there next year and it's done.
The usual wonderful encounters with Visitors and Veterans … some who have been there many times, some who were experiencing it for the first time, all with wonderful stories. I truly loved talking to all of them about the Memorial and what it means to them. What greatness we get to be a small part of!
To my veteran friends and family … thank you for your service and Welcome Home!