Hi Vin:

How great hearing from you, and thanks for sending this ironically truthful example of the pithy excuses we hear from some folks these days about the flimsy problems mentioned. What wonderful examples of courage and bravery from our very finest, not only in words but by their selfless deeds exemplified in these pictures. God Bless each and every one of them!

Dot and I think of you and Joan so often--and remember the exciting times we shared as fellow VP's at NDIA under Gen. Skibbies' outstanding leadership. I miss him dearly! You were one of (if not) the first I met when I joined, and it was great working with you. Are you both still the great world-traveler's, or are you slowing down and staying home a bit?

I’m dusting off my tux as Dot and I are going to NDIA's black tie Gen. Eisenhower Award Dinner next month at the Ritz Carlton and are extra excited about it as this year’s award is being given to Gen. David Petreaus. I can think of no one who deserves it more! If by chance you are also going it would be great seeing you there. Seems we otherwise only meet at funerals lately.

Dot joins me in sending you both our very best.

Jerry Merna

From: Vin

Sent: Saturday, April 18, 2009 3:58 PM

Take a look at this. I was asked to keep this going . . . . and I will gladly do so.

Vin

WHEN A SOLDIER COMES HOME
This email is being circulated around the world - please keep it going.

When a soldier comes home, he finds it hard....

..to listen to his son whine about being bored.

....to keep a straight face when people complain about potholes.

to be tolerant of people who complain about the hassle of getting ready for work.

...to be understanding when a co-worker complains about a bad night's sleep.

..to be silent when people pray to God for a new car.

...to control his panic when his wife tells him he needs to drive slower.

..to be compassionate when a businessman expresses a fear of flying.

....to keep from laughing when anxious parents say they're afraid to send their kids off to summer camp.

....to keep from ridiculing someone who complains about hot weather.

....to control his frustration when a colleague gripes about his coffee being cold.

....to remain calm when his daughter complains about having to walk the dog.

.....to be civil to people who complain about their jobs.

....to just walk away when someone says they only get two weeks of vacation a year.

....to be forgiving when someone says how hard it is to have a new baby in the house.

The only thing harder than being a Soldier..

Is loving one.