Veteran’s Day, Please Share Your Photos

We fly flags, tie ribbons and say thanks but sharing a photograph can mean so much more and connect us to the person behind the sacrifice. All these people left the comfort of their hometown and embarked on an unknown journey, that alone was a brave act. Some of them had to do and see things the rest of us cannot imagine. Their families sacrificed dearly as well, having to go without a loved one for long periods of time, fearing they may never return and many people never came home. Looking at these pictures this morning gave me a chill.

This is my Grandfather Peter Milano, this photo was taken in June 1950. He was in the Army, one year after the photo was taken, he was on the front lines of the Korean conflict. Thankfully, he came home and was there for many more years. He helped raise me, we were very close and I cannot imagine what my life would have been like, if I did not get the years I did. He is no longer physically with us but he is with me everyday of my life.

My Uncle John served in the United States Navy, when I was a teenager he took me on a tour of a Navy Submarine, it's one of the coolest things I have ever seen. He came home and took me fishing, hiking and exploring. I don't think there is a rock we haven't touched or a stick we have not cracked. You should see this dude pull fish out of any body of water, stone cold fish killer right there, guaranteed haul, every time you fish with him.

This is Ethan Carey's dad James. James was 21 when this photo was taken, James served in the United States Navy in World War II. James came home and raised Ethan Carey and we are all better for it.

This is my pal Matt Cable, Matt was 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines Bravo. He served in OIF OEF Operation Phantom Fury 2004-2005 in Fallujah, Iraq, he was gone much longer than that. His brother and I spent a lot of time together when he was gone and I remember it being a nerve racking time. Thankfully, he too came home and we are lucky to have him. I'd miss his annoying text messages all morning when I am trying to work.

This is George, he served in the Air Force during Vietnam. This is the man Ethan and I refer to as "Mobil George." We call him that because he works at the Mobil on Padanaram Road in Danbury, CT. I go out of my way to go to that Mobil, every morning to get coffee just because George is there. George helps a lot of people start their morning off just right.

This is Lisa Manka, Lisa served in the United States Navy from 1988-1992 on the USS LY SPEAR AS-36 in Norfolk, VA. Today Lisa is our front line of defense at I-95, she works from the front desk here at an Executive Assistant. Lisa takes no guff, so don't bother with any.

All of the people above came home from serving their country. My Grandpa and Ethan's Dad are no longer with us but they died older men, at home. Many families had the misfortune of never seeing their loved ones again. Today we thank all of the brave men and women who served us and those who continue to protect us. Their duty was to put their lives on the line for the rest of us, our duty is to honor them because they deserve that and so much more.