Friends and Family,
Its rare that you see a retired US Army 4 star general as well as secretary of state walking around on the campus of Norwich. This week, the Norwich community was blessed to hold a parade as well as listen to General Colin Powell speak on Tuesday evening.
Tuesday was Veterans day. This has always been special to me because of the men that have served in my family. Going back a few generations, I have been blessed with men who have dedicated their life for this country. After being at Norwich, and witnessing the ceremony this week, my love, respect and admiration for these men has grown ten fold. Two people who have influenced my choice to come to this military academy have been my father and my cousin.
My dad has served 7 years in the airforce. He has traveled the globe and experienced different lifestyles. Because of the discipline and respect my father received from his time in the Airforce, he was able to instill that within my brother and I. He taught me that everything in life was earned through hard work. I was given tasks to understand this concept and have earned most of the things I have today.
Although I have never met my cousin, he has been so influential in my life. A purple heart and bronze star recipient, he knows all too well the sacrifice that a soldier endures. After being hit with an IED in a remote location (I do not know all of the details), he has been on a long road to recovery. Daily, he has the option of giving up and accepting the consequences of his injury. However, from the updates of my aunt, he has pushed through the pain and trials he has endured. He has shown me that anything is possible through perseverance.
I am so thankful for the men they are. I am so blessed that I have the ability to learn from their experiences. I thank them for their service and I am forever indebted to them.
I thank the men and women who have served and are currently serving this country. For their dedication and sacrifice. Take a moment to realize how much you have being an American citizen.
Until next time, be easy
Raven Killinger
“Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves, those who work hard and play hard.” -General Colin Powell