This is a picture of some of the most important people in my life. The picture was taken in my mother and father’s apartment on Christmas Eve in 2005. Left-to-Right is Matthew (currently in the Air Force stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, but as I wrote yesterday, will be deploying to Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany in November), Rachel (my youngest daughter who is Promotional and Event Manager for Lancome Cosmetics in Charleston, SC), next is my mother Wilda (Mom lives in north Missouri), my father Wayne (We lost dad in April of this year and he is missed by all of us) and on the far right is my oldest son John (John is completing his 5th semester of medical school and is currently in Miami, FL).

Our family is still adjusting to the passing of my father. Dad passed away on April 27th of this year. It still doesn’t seem real when I go visit my mother for him to not be sitting there in his recliner. Dad fought his battle with Alzheimer’ Disease for five years. In the end it was the saddest and most difficult thing I have ever had to witness. Dad fought a great fight, but he was suffering so badly in the end that it is a blessing that he has passed. He and my mother were married for 65 years. Dad was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He was a devoted family man. I love you and miss you very much Dad.

Thank goodness the terrible heat that we have endured for the past week has abated. Currently it is a glorious 70.7 degrees farenheit (21.5 degrees celsius), overcast with a wonderful breeze blowing in through the windows. What a difference a day makes!

Tomorrow, early in the morning, I will be driving to Fort Leonard to spend part of the day with Matthew. Though we talk every night on the phone, it will be the first time we have been together since graduation weekend at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. I am excited about being together again.

Here are a few more things about Ramstein Air Force Base and Kaiserslaturn, Germany for you to remember:

(1) Kaiserslautern is set in the middle of Germany’s largest stretch of forest. The forest is Kaiserslautern’s main tourist attraction with clearly marked trails among ancient beech trees.

(2) The host unit at Ramstein Air Base has been the 86th Airlift Wing (AW) since 1 May 1991 after the inactivation of the 316th Air Division and 377th Combat Support Wing. The 86th AW falls under the 3rd Air Force headquartered in the United Kingdom and further assigned under United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) headquartered at Ramstein AB.

(3) Ramstein will get a facelift that will transform it into the Air Force’s “super base” in Europe. The list of upcoming changes includes a new runway and taxiways. They will be able to handle heavy cargo aircraft in any kind of weather. Also coming are two new aircraft parking ramps. One is already built and is the size of 60 football fields.

(4) Ramstein has one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in Europe. The Aero Club offers membership, flying lessons, and rental planes at reasonable rates. The Ramstein Audio Club and Photo Club are well stocked and offer savings on equipment. Ski gear is available at discount prices during the season. The Kaiserslautern and Ramstein Ski Clubs are very active, with trips and meetings during the season. Landstuhl and Ramstein have indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Here is a picture of my good friend Chris Belkin, his wife Fermina and their daughter Dimarlin. I met Chris and his family in Sosua. Chris and his family live in Leopoldsborg, Belgium. He tells me he is about two hours from where Matthew will be stationed.

Chris lived in Sosua for 10 years I believe and while living there met his wife Fermina. Ferminia is, of course, a dominicana. She is from Gaspar Hernandez, not far from Sosua.

Chris has told me he will be my tour guide when I visit Matthew.

I have made so many good friends from all over the world living in Sosua.

My favorite link for today: http://www.depresident.com/

Browse this site for tons of interesting, disburbing and humorous information.

Here are some Bushisms found on the site.

“They want the federal government controlling Social Security like it is some kind of federal program.” George W. Bush

“This notion that the United States is getting ready to attack Iran is simply ridiculous. And having said that, all options are on the table.” George W. Bush

“The most important thing is for us to find Osama bin Laden. It is our number one priority and we will not rest until we find him.” George W. Bush (9-13-2001)

“So I don’t know where he is. You know, I just don’t spend that much time on him to be honest with you.” George W. Bust (3-13-2002)

“Uhh Gosh, I don’t think I ever said I’m not worried about Osama bin Laden. It is kind of one of those uhhh exaggerations.” George W. Bush (10-13-2004)

“Saddam built up a massive war machine while neglecting the basic needs of his own people.” George W. Bush

“There are a lot of people in the world who don’t believe that people whose skin color may not be the same as ours can be free and self govern. I reject that. I reject that strongly. I believe that people who practice the Muslim faith can self-govern. I believe that people whose skins are not necessarily … are a different color than white can self govern.” George W. Bush

“This is an impressive crowd, the have and the have-mores. Some people call you the elite. I call you my base.” George W. Bush

“It is time to restore honor and dignity to the White House.” George W Bush

“You teach a child to read and he or her will be able to pass a literacy test.” George W. Bush