A Tribute to Mom

An open letter to my mom, Verna.

Dear Mom,
I just wanted to openly say I Love You and Happy Mother’s Day! Since you don’t have a computer, it may be while before this news reaches you, which is why I sent you a card the regular old fashioned snail mail way.

I wanted to introduce the world to you and to let everyone know that you deserve a lot of credit for much of what is happening with MWDTSA. Your generous heart and patriotic and caring spirit are always an inspiration to anyone who knows you. Many years ago, during the earlier years of WWII, you fledged into adulthood. We have a photo of your high school graduation picture superimposed on the “Rosie the Riveter” poster, because you always felt American pride and had a can do attitude. Shy and possibly unprepared for the world around you, you always did your utmost to help, nurture and simply send support without needing a lot of the limelight. That instinct in you has never died.

When I first started working with the Vietnam Veterans at some of the reunions, we decided to send some personal letters of thanks since so many of these brave men came back to a country that turned its back on them. You never did that, you’ve never turned your back on anyone. And, in fact, you wrote a hand written letter of thanks to each and every man that I included on the list of attendees. You probably wrote a couple of hundred letters over time that you were always happy to do, even though your arthritis might have been an issue…you never complained. You always wanting to show support and appreciation for the service men and women.

You reveled in the events at Fort Benning and elsewhere. Delighted in the company of the handlers and dogs, yet comfortable to be simply in a supporting and unrecognized role for the most part. While other people may have done less and sought attention, that was never your goal. You have a pure heart and again, simply wanted to do all that you could to help out, enjoy the company of the fine men and women and simply be a good “mom” to me. When we went to Fort Gordon, you wanted to go and made a boatload of potato salad to take for the luncheon that day. When we did the Combat Tracker reunion, while others socialized, you sat solidly at your table and completed your mission selling raffle tickets and other necessary tasks. When our dear friend’s dog, Rex, was recognized by the German Shepherd Dog Club of America as Hero Dog of the Year, you were excited at his handler’s success and wanted to go with me to St. Louis to the national, even though you really had no use for the show….you wanted to go to support Rex and Chris. Chris appreciated it, Mom. He now calls you Moms and always asks about you. As do so many of the friends I have made through my connection with Military Working Dogs.

Please be sure to look at the three photos, I selected Mom. You as Rosie, Ann, Ken and you as we presented a check to Ken many years ago for the Fort Benning memorial and a photo of Chris Calloway and Rex at the hotel in St. Louis with that big gift basket we all created filled with Chris and Rex goodies to enjoy the two days he was there. They are part of your story.

So I’m going to ask folks for a little self indulgence today as I honor my Mom, Verna. To all of you mother’s out there, Happy Mother’s Day, too.