The Duncan Family: hale and farewell

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

hale and farewell

Clay's Battalion had there Hale and Farewell last week. Clay was one of the solders to be farewelled! He was awarded an MSM and Volunteer Metal along with some amazing gifts. I was also awarded a Civilian Volunteer Award for my work with the company FRG. This week is jammed packed with ceremonies and parties!

Clay and his 1SG, "Uncle Ben"

COL Thompson giving me my volunteer award

Vera wanted to wear Daddy's metals!

Clay's guideon!

4 comments:

Jason and Carrie said...: Congratultions Clay and Nad! And thank you for protecting my family's freedom!; Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Anonymous said...: Congrats to my favorite niece & nephew. I am so proud of both of you. Uncle Mike is proud too. Love You & the Kids!! Aunt Mindy; Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Ray, Jayme, Caeleb, Alaura & Hailey said...: AWESOME! I know it is bittersweet! Sounds like you did an awesome job as a commander Clay and Nadia you were an AWESOME FRG leader!!!!!; Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Ryan, Kim and Caroline said...: I bet you're both breathing a sigh of relief! What's next?; Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Military Wife

I never wore the uniform, no medals on my chest.
The band, it doesn't play for me, I am not among “the Best.”
I do not march in cadence; I do not rate salute,
I stand among the silent ranks, our devotion absolute.
If you've not worn my shoes, you do not know my story.
I live a life of sacrifice, my reward a private glory.
I've wept many silent nights away,
and I've kept the home fires burning.
I've worried and I've waited, as world events were churning. I've moved more times than you could fathom,
left more people than you've known.
I've planted gardens 'round the world,
very few that I've seen grown.
I've grieved with new-made widows,
and had my share of scares -- when a ship or plane or man was down, and all I had were prayers.
I'm not asking for your sympathy, (although appreciation can be nice) I did it quite on purpose --I chose to sacrifice.
I'll tell you a secret now, one you'd never guess.
About the one glory that is mine,
it's just enough -- no more, no less.
When you and I stand together as our national anthem plays, I'll fill with reminiscences of how I spent those days.
I'll know the pain and joys again,
I'll know that freedom isn't free,
I'll know I've helped to pay the price –
and that the anthem plays for me.

Elizabeth Soutter Schwarzer
Marine Wife