Great post, Rita, but uhhh, slight correction. My nephew’s name is Jon Fernandez with an F. My second Golden Heart winner features a war hero who comes home after six years as a POW to discover he’s lost everything. It’s totally the book of my heart.
My husband retired from the Navy submarine force. I live in a Navy town. Dad was in the Navy, step dad was a marine, grandfather was in the army (I think)….Many of the heroes I write are ex-military. Again, too afraid to write a story of someone “in” the military because there just seems like too much I could get wrong. Too much research. And I can’t get my military expert to read my writing for feedback. He only reads the newspaper.
Really? That’s so interesting! No one has ever told me that before – probably because if you see my whole family, he isn’t the one I *most* look like. Now I’ll be looking for resemblances all day!
Happy Veterans Day, everyone! What a great way to celebrate the day, Rita. Thank you!
I write about military heroes because I admire them so much. That kind of bravery, dedication and selflessness deserves special recognition.
At my children’s elementary school, one of the staff members printed off 8×10 pictures of every Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan since the War On Terror began, along with their names and ranks. Surrounding the display were letters written by some of the students, thanking them for their sacrifice, and offering prayers for them and their families. I teared up at the thoughtful display and I’m so grateful that the school is teaching the children to respect our men and women in uniform.
Both my grandfathers were WWII vets, with one serving in the infamous Italian campaign which included the battle of Ortona. We still have some of his letters about his experiences there.
Kaylea
It takes my breath away to think of the Canadian soldiers in those photos and the pain of their families. I cried reading your post. Thank you for sharing.
I love reading and writing military heroes (have a new trilogy in the works featuring military brothers). I grew up in Colorado Springs and we have a ton of military there. I have always honored the fighting men and women of our armed forces for their sacrifices, and there are many. My family served in The French & Indian Wars, The Revolutionary War, The War of 1812, The Civil War, World War II and The Vietnam War. My grandfathers missed World War I because of medical issues. You could say the military is something ingrained within me. My husband was in the Army for twenty years, and one of my sons is in the Air Force. It’s just something in my DNA, I guess.
What a wonderful post, Rita and everyone!!! I completely agree with Autumn. Military personnel have a super-human quality about them. When I was younger, I always wanted to be in the military, but stories of bootcamp scared me off. lol
And I absolutely love reading about military heroes. Thank you so all our military service men and women!
The hero and heroine in my current WIP are both home from the war. He is an ex-marine turned policeman. She is a war correspondent — not a military heroine, but a person who has been to hell and back.
What I’m loving about this particular hero is his single-minded focus on keeping the people he loves safe. It’s exactly what my heroine needs and I think it’s the definition of a hero.
I’ve been watching the History Channel series on Vietnam and I’ve been struck, over and over again by they way warriors take care of each other. If human beings were like animals it would be every man for himself, but warriors and heroes go running into fire fights and burning buildings, risking their lives, to save lives. I love that about warriors, firemen, policemen. The best of them are men who know how to fight, but who strive to live compassionate lives.
Hope this will be a wonderful book. Your heroine suffered in a different way. She could do nothing more than report what she saw. She had no way to fight back or help. A Vietnam photographer told me it was a difficult position to be in. Anyone in a war zone suffers.
This is the link to a tribute to the spirit of the military by Oliver North. Don’t much care for Olie but this is so heartfelt and true. http://tinyurl.com/7toj5gs
On the idea of soldiers taking care of each other: I remember hearing a WWII vet years ago saying that during every battle, every man he knew was fighting to protect his comrades. In the heat of the moment, they weren’t thinking about country or cause, they were thinking about keeping the man next to them alive.
Beautiful tribute, Rita (and ladies!). Loved the pictures, and the personal touches. My Dad served in the military (was career military) and he has always been a hero of mine. Must be why I like men in uniform.
Thank you for all the wonderful stories of your loved ones. As someone who comes from a large military family, it’s so nice to see that people truly do appreciate the sacrifice our men and women make to keep the rest of us safe.
Touching. Thanks for sharing memories and photos Rubies. Diane knows this already, but I found out the day her body was brought home that the 19 yo Sarina Butcher whom died via bomb in Paktia last week was a cousin I never knew and she lived just three hours from me. I honor her and all others today for serving. I pray for the safe return of all still in the war zones.
Do I write military? Normally I would say no. But my coming-soon release is set during Vietnam, 1967. It’s my first and I have a feeling it won’t be the last from that era for me.
What a beautiful post and remembrance. My father in law was a Korean War veteran, having served in the Navy as a boiler room mechanic on the USS USS Coral Sea. My son in law is a sergeant currently serving in Grafenwoehr, Germany as an army air traffic controller.
Such a beautiful tribute, ladies! My dad was a career Navy man, my grandfather served in the Army. Saluting the brave men and women from all branches of the military!
Rita,
It is a small world. I have a picture of those who served on the Coral Sea with my father-in-law. Wonder if your uncle is in that picture.It’s posted on my facebook page under my real name rather than my author page. You can see it at https://www.facebook.com/gayleglass
Rita,
What a great tribute to all veterans. You certainly have many military men in your family. The only military man in my immediate family is my grandson, an army medic who has served two tours in Iraq.
My 4th great grandfather fought in the Revolutionary War, both my maternal grandfathers fought for the Confederacy and a great uncle died in the Philippine Insurrection.
We owe all our fighting men a thank you for protecting all we hold dear.
Beautiful post, Rita! I really wanted to contribute buy I don’t have any pics scanned, though I have plenty of pics. Both my grandfathers were in the US Navy. My husband was a Lt. in the Navy – made LT. Cmdr in the reserves. I have such a great pic of him in his dress whites. Would have loved to send it.
Currently, I’m writing a book with a military hero. Well, he’s no longer with the JAG Corp, but he was when the book opened. Darby was a wild bayou boy who was sent to military school and found his identity in the service…but now he’s back home and looking for a new start. I like the juxatuposition of his present and past life and the military serves a purpose there.
I’m very thankful for the service of our mititary, and as a former military wife, I can’t tell you how much the country’s support means to those who wear the uniform.
I would have loved to include your pictures. The military could not do their job without the support of their families.
I think a lot of people find themselves in the military. Your book will be wonderful
What a beautiful post! Thank you, Rita, and everyone for sharing those treasured photos and stories.
Thanks Anne. Aren’t the photos great?
Great post, Rita, but uhhh, slight correction. My nephew’s name is Jon Fernandez with an F. My second Golden Heart winner features a war hero who comes home after six years as a POW to discover he’s lost everything. It’s totally the book of my heart.
My apologies on the name flub.
I did not know you’d written a military hero. What branch of the service?
My hero was a 2nd Lt. in the Army.
Rita~
LOVE the way the post looks like a military memo. It warms my heart and makes me proud to see all our heroes.
Thanks to all who have and do serve this great nation.
Happy Veterans Day!
Jenn!
Thank you Jenn. I love your grandfathers pictures.
I love this and all the pictures! Does anyone else think Ruby Vivi looks just like her grandfather?
I sure do!
I noticed that right off, Di.
My husband retired from the Navy submarine force. I live in a Navy town. Dad was in the Navy, step dad was a marine, grandfather was in the army (I think)….Many of the heroes I write are ex-military. Again, too afraid to write a story of someone “in” the military because there just seems like too much I could get wrong. Too much research. And I can’t get my military expert to read my writing for feedback. He only reads the newspaper.
So many of us have strong military connections. Think this is where we get out heroes from?
they’re the foundation of our country!
I said the same thing. A deadringer.
Yes, I was struck by that the moment I saw his face!
Really? That’s so interesting! No one has ever told me that before – probably because if you see my whole family, he isn’t the one I *most* look like. Now I’ll be looking for resemblances all day!
Happy Veterans Day, everyone! What a great way to celebrate the day, Rita. Thank you!
I saw it instantly. I was like wow!
I was like wow too.
I definitely think so!
Hi, Rita! Love this post.
I write about military heroes because I admire them so much. That kind of bravery, dedication and selflessness deserves special recognition.
At my children’s elementary school, one of the staff members printed off 8×10 pictures of every Canadian soldier killed in Afghanistan since the War On Terror began, along with their names and ranks. Surrounding the display were letters written by some of the students, thanking them for their sacrifice, and offering prayers for them and their families. I teared up at the thoughtful display and I’m so grateful that the school is teaching the children to respect our men and women in uniform.
Both my grandfathers were WWII vets, with one serving in the infamous Italian campaign which included the battle of Ortona. We still have some of his letters about his experiences there.
Thank you for the post, Rita!
Kaylea
It takes my breath away to think of the Canadian soldiers in those photos and the pain of their families. I cried reading your post. Thank you for sharing.
cool story! My grandfather served in Italy.
Kaylea, Hi, GF. Good to see you here. What a wonderful way to pay tribute to the men and women who served your country–mankind actually.
I know you write wonderful heroes. WINK
I love reading and writing military heroes (have a new trilogy in the works featuring military brothers). I grew up in Colorado Springs and we have a ton of military there. I have always honored the fighting men and women of our armed forces for their sacrifices, and there are many. My family served in The French & Indian Wars, The Revolutionary War, The War of 1812, The Civil War, World War II and The Vietnam War. My grandfathers missed World War I because of medical issues. You could say the military is something ingrained within me. My husband was in the Army for twenty years, and one of my sons is in the Air Force. It’s just something in my DNA, I guess.
Denise
I say it’s the DNA also. Thank you for sharing your amazing family history.
that is amazing!
That is amazing you know so much of your family history. I’m jealous. Thank you to your family.
What a wonderful post, Rita and everyone!!! I completely agree with Autumn. Military personnel have a super-human quality about them. When I was younger, I always wanted to be in the military, but stories of bootcamp scared me off. lol
And I absolutely love reading about military heroes. Thank you so all our military service men and women!
You raised sons. Boot camp would have been a breeze
Such a wonderful post.
The hero and heroine in my current WIP are both home from the war. He is an ex-marine turned policeman. She is a war correspondent — not a military heroine, but a person who has been to hell and back.
What I’m loving about this particular hero is his single-minded focus on keeping the people he loves safe. It’s exactly what my heroine needs and I think it’s the definition of a hero.
I’ve been watching the History Channel series on Vietnam and I’ve been struck, over and over again by they way warriors take care of each other. If human beings were like animals it would be every man for himself, but warriors and heroes go running into fire fights and burning buildings, risking their lives, to save lives. I love that about warriors, firemen, policemen. The best of them are men who know how to fight, but who strive to live compassionate lives.
Hope this will be a wonderful book. Your heroine suffered in a different way. She could do nothing more than report what she saw. She had no way to fight back or help. A Vietnam photographer told me it was a difficult position to be in. Anyone in a war zone suffers.
This is the link to a tribute to the spirit of the military by Oliver North. Don’t much care for Olie but this is so heartfelt and true. http://tinyurl.com/7toj5gs
Hope, Your last line says it all. I can’t wait to read this book.
Can’t wait to read that story, Hope!!
On the idea of soldiers taking care of each other: I remember hearing a WWII vet years ago saying that during every battle, every man he knew was fighting to protect his comrades. In the heat of the moment, they weren’t thinking about country or cause, they were thinking about keeping the man next to them alive.
I have heard so many say the same thing.
Today makes me realize how tired I am of war and the men who start them
Amen!!!
Imagine all that courage and commitment turned to peacetime progress. What a world it could be!
Rita, You did an awesome job in pulling this all together. Thank you. I got goosebumps again.
Rita, I just want to add my personal kuddos to everyone else’s. You did a great job. Thank for you compiling this so we would remember today.
Beautiful post, Rubies!!
Thank you
Beautiful tribute, Rita (and ladies!). Loved the pictures, and the personal touches. My Dad served in the military (was career military) and he has always been a hero of mine. Must be why I like men in uniform.
Give him an extra hug today. Tell him I said thank you.
Wonderful stories and photos. They trully touched my heart!
Thank you Magda
Fantastic post! Thank you so much for sharing your stories and your family photos!
Happy Veteran’s Day Everyone!
Thanks for coming by
Thank you for all the wonderful stories of your loved ones. As someone who comes from a large military family, it’s so nice to see that people truly do appreciate the sacrifice our men and women make to keep the rest of us safe.
It would be nice if this appriciation was offered once a month. So what our men and women go through would be in every one’s thoughts constantly
Touching. Thanks for sharing memories and photos Rubies. Diane knows this already, but I found out the day her body was brought home that the 19 yo Sarina Butcher whom died via bomb in Paktia last week was a cousin I never knew and she lived just three hours from me. I honor her and all others today for serving. I pray for the safe return of all still in the war zones.
Do I write military? Normally I would say no. But my coming-soon release is set during Vietnam, 1967. It’s my first and I have a feeling it won’t be the last from that era for me.
Just a tragic story about your family member, Calisa.
Hugs, Carlisa. My prayers are with you and your family.
So sorry for your family’s loss, Calisa!
Hugs Calisa. You families pain is something you can’t know until you experience it.
What a beautiful post and remembrance. My father in law was a Korean War veteran, having served in the Navy as a boiler room mechanic on the USS USS Coral Sea. My son in law is a sergeant currently serving in Grafenwoehr, Germany as an army air traffic controller.
Thanks to all who have served!
Thanks for sharing Lilly.
I believe my uncle served on the Coral Sea during Korea. He was an ace in both WWll and the Korean war. Small world huh?
Thanks for stopping by, Lilly. And thanks to your family members!
Such a beautiful tribute, ladies! My dad was a career Navy man, my grandfather served in the Army. Saluting the brave men and women from all branches of the military!
Thanks so much for this!
Hi Tina. Army Navy football games must have been fun in their house.
Ha! True!
Rita,
It is a small world. I have a picture of those who served on the Coral Sea with my father-in-law. Wonder if your uncle is in that picture.It’s posted on my facebook page under my real name rather than my author page. You can see it at https://www.facebook.com/gayleglass
Lilly his name was Tom Moore and I know those squadrons rotated in and out. Unfortunately there is no one left to ask about details
Rita,
What a great tribute to all veterans. You certainly have many military men in your family. The only military man in my immediate family is my grandson, an army medic who has served two tours in Iraq.
My 4th great grandfather fought in the Revolutionary War, both my maternal grandfathers fought for the Confederacy and a great uncle died in the Philippine Insurrection.
We owe all our fighting men a thank you for protecting all we hold dear.
Thank you for sharing your story and tell your grandson thank you.
Thanks so much for putting this post together, Rita! I really loved reading about why everyone loves to write Military heroes!
Thanks for the great tribute. Service men and women–as well as their families (who also serve)–truly appreciate the recognition this day brings.
I’ll give a shout-out to my dad (USAF/TnANG retired), my sister (USNR retired), and my brother (MsNG – still serving).
Thanks for sharing their names and thank you for your service
thank you for your service, too, Beth.
Beautiful post, Rita! I really wanted to contribute buy I don’t have any pics scanned, though I have plenty of pics. Both my grandfathers were in the US Navy. My husband was a Lt. in the Navy – made LT. Cmdr in the reserves. I have such a great pic of him in his dress whites. Would have loved to send it.
Currently, I’m writing a book with a military hero. Well, he’s no longer with the JAG Corp, but he was when the book opened. Darby was a wild bayou boy who was sent to military school and found his identity in the service…but now he’s back home and looking for a new start. I like the juxatuposition of his present and past life and the military serves a purpose there.
I’m very thankful for the service of our mititary, and as a former military wife, I can’t tell you how much the country’s support means to those who wear the uniform.
I would have loved to include your pictures. The military could not do their job without the support of their families.
I think a lot of people find themselves in the military. Your book will be wonderful