Saying Goodbye to the Command Sergeant Major

In March I made a trip to Washington, D.C., for the funeral of someone I considered a friend. Chris Raines was a recently retired veteran of the U.S. Army. His wife, Helen, who remains a good friend, is still active duty. She was in Iraq when Chris passed. The absolute horror of being deployed and hearing that your spouse died back home would have destroyed most people. Everyone wanted to help in any way they possibly could. The abruptness of Chris' passing and the time of year (mid December 2010) made it nearly impossible for most of us to attend his initial service in his hometown in West Virginia. But when Arlington notified Helen that a wall locker was available for Chris' ashes, the ceremony for his inurnment was set for March, 2011.

This was the first time I'd been to Arlington for the funeral of a friend. Just being a visitor can affect you in the most amazing ways, but being there to put a friend to rest... you can't describe it. The best I can do is offer one of the photos I took after the service, as I was driving around, slowly making my way back to my hotel. I noticed later that every one of them could be described as "lonely."  Even with the cherry blossoms coming out, and the annual festival about to start, everything just felt cold. Rest in peace, CSM Raines.

Nevada GCDD and our Military

I'm quite excited to get started on the events to bring disabilities service provider information to the military bases of Nevada. The staff of the Disabilities Council have been putting on PACE events throughout the state and Debbie Tyler has done an amazing job. I feel that the base populations need this kind of information more than most because they are, by nature, a transient population with little access to local service providers. Also, the education they gain will be taken with them to their next duty station where they can apply it to that AO's services.

This, in essence, is the work I do that has given me the privilege of being a Knight Expectant of the Order of St. Joachim.

February 2011

February has been busy in all the little things. Nothing huge, just things that needed to be done and things that we did for fun. Meetings in Reno were the usual fare; two in one day with anxious moments of travel. But not too much of that.

Valentine's Day was on a Monday so instead of trying to go out and battle the crowds, we stayed home and had a lovely salmon dinner. Which is not to say we did nothing. We did go to see Allison DuBois that weekend. It was well worth the time. Allison is just as wonderful to meet in person as you might expect. The two folks sitting at the foot of the stage are none other than yours truly and spouse.

I was also able to go out and purchase some vegetables for the garden this year. We are getting rain and I didn't want to miss out on it. Yes, it's still cold but any snow this month was very light.

Also, my oldest turned 19 this month. He will be taking the ASVAB on March 10th and entering the U.S. Coast Guard. Mama is very proud.

HOPE for Homeless Teens grew up and moved out as well this month. The StandUp for Kids organization adopted it. We are so glad that it was an instrumental event in getting StandUp a footing in Las Vegas. The last fundraiser was held at the South Point hotel as a poker tournament. The charities that I work with that take on a life of their own are the ones of which I am most proud.

SHOT Show 2011

Many, many thanks to all the fantastic people who made the 2011 SHOT Show in Las Vegas the great time it was. I started out trying to cover the show for our local flotilla but after change of watch, I found I was no longer the Publications officer. But National threw me a bone and suggested that I may be interested in editing the e-zine version of The Navigator. So I did get a chance to take some great images. If the USCGA needs them, the pics are all theirs. In the meantime, my friend (who goes by EATIII on the spec ops forum Shadowspear) was kind enough to accompany me to the media day and be my "model." Dude can shoot.

Nevada Governor’s Inaugural Ball 2011

Had the most wonderful time at the Nevada Governor's Inaugural Ball on Friday night. After a frantic search for just the right dress (many thanks to Lana at David's Bridal in the Arroyo Marketplace!) I was able to relax and enjoy the night. My wonderful escort for the night was my husband of almost 24 years. His new tux fit so well I just couldn't stand it. In addition to meeting the new First Lady of Nevada, Kathleen Sandoval, I had the privilege of dancing with hubby again. It had been years. This was one of those nights that will be relived in stories to the grandkids in years to come.

Many thanks to Candace Young-Richey who was kind enough to make sure that the First Lady came over to meet both Jacqueline Harris, Executive Director of BRIDGE, and myself on behalf of the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities. She and her husband, Don Juan Richey, were wonderful table mates along with Jacqueline and Bridge Counseling BOD president, Chris Carothers.