2009-11-27 Thanking the Military

I am thankful for our military, the dedicated men and women who have served in the past and those who are currently putting this nation ahead of themselves.

I have many friends and family I could name here if given the space, but will honor here the two veterans closest to me, whom I miss dearly, my grandfather and my father-in-law; and my niece and nephew who both enlisted in February 2008.

My Nonno, Lloyd Henry Hayton, proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1938 until 1945 and in the Army National Guard through 1952. He spent a couple of years in Saipan and had many stories to tell about that, and he also spent time stationed in Hawaii and several U.S. locations. He was most proud of having achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer.

Gabe Tatar, my father-in-law, enlisted in the Army Air Force in August of 1942. He trained in Blytheville, Arkansas and spent almost two years in England before his discharge in early 1946. Though he was fortunate not to have been involved in any battles, his older brother Louis was killed in France in August of 1944. My son now has his Grandpa’s medal case hanging in our house.

My niece Alyssa Tatar, a 2008 West High graduate, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps as soon as she turned 18. She joined because she wanted to keep from going down the wrong path and she liked the discipline offered by the military. She is a Lance Corporal in Camp Pendleton, California and works as an administrative clerk. She is undecided about whether she will make a career of the military but knows that she is learning good skills that will help her have a better future.

Alyssa and the other Marines she resides with have very positive things to say about how being in the Marines helps young adults financially and gives them the experience and discipline to better themselves. Semper Fidelis!

My nephew Devin Hard, a 2009 West High graduate, enlisted in the Army National Guard when he turned 17. He joined for many reasons including love of country, giving back to the country, and being a part of something greater than himself. While growing up he admired other veterans in his family who had served in WWII and Vietnam and enjoyed hearing their stories. He wanted to follow in Nonno’s footsteps.

Devin is a Private First Class in the Infantry with Bravo Company 1st Battalion of the 178th Infantry Regiment, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. He completed his basic training and Advanced Infantry Training in Fort Benning, Georgia, in the summers before and after his senior year.

When Devin joined the Army he wasn’t sure whether he wanted to go to college after high school or become active duty, so the National Guard was a good place to start. He now plans to switch to active duty to pursue some of his many goals including attending Airborne School, Air Assault School, Army Mountaineering, Army Ranger School, and earning the Expert Infantryman Badge.

On this Thanksgiving weekend, please take a moment to remember those in the military and their families.