Back-tracking

Disregard last post.


I was reviewing the posts from the last few months and realized I didn't blog about Charles' promotion. This past summer Charles was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel! Hooray! In the military when you are promoted you get to plan your own promotion ceremony. It was held in a small chapel at Ft. Dix. His new boss at the Pentagon agreed to come to NJ and participate in the ceremony (we hadn't moved to VA yet).


We wanted to have it in New Jersey so Charles' Dad and Nadine could attend.

The ceremony includes removing the old rank and pinning on the new rank . His new boss and his dad took care of the jacket…


and the kids did the dress shirt.




After the new rank is pinned on, he renews his oath of office.


We had a great turnout of family and friends.


One special guest was Helga. Helga has an amazing story. She is from Germany and grew up in poverty. She credits the American servicemen for saving her life and that of her family as the soldiers shared their rations. She married an American Sailor and came to America. She took the opportunity to express her appreciation for Charles.


Charles’ brother Nathanael flew in and surprised Charles.


Charles and his Dad, Nadine, & Helga.


Our family.