Hi,

Today is my fifth Memorial Day as a member of the Department of Defense.

And, this journey Jodi and I on is due to a "how-did-that-come-to-be?" visit to Mildenhall RAF in 2012. I still can't believe how much had to come into play to get Jodi and me to where we are today.

It seems like a dream...

Here we are, visiting the 100th Air Refueling Wing, back during the time when I went EVERYwhere with a copy of that book!

Most of you reading this know the story.

Because Jodi's grandpa served in WWII and we were invited to speak at the 100th ARW, eventually, we were offered the chance of a lifetime:

To move to Montgomery, and teach at Air University.

If you look carefully, you'll see a Square D on the tail!

The journey has since evolved, as I am no longer an Airmen but am now serving as a Guardian in the United States Space Force.

I'm telling you...my photos app is more of a help than I ever could have imagined. I can look back over 60 months and - oh, I don't know - about 10,000 photos (slightly exaggerating!), and I can see "connection" over and over and over again.

This is my 5th Memorial Day surrounded by these amazing humans being. During this time, I have learned and grown alongside those who know service members who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

And, if I just look at 5 (now) years of photos, the oh-so-many pictures from these Memorial Day weekends serve as great reminders.

Here are just a few:

Since taking the Oath (as a CIV) on 23 Jan 2019, I've had a copy of the US Constitution in the front left pocket of every suit I own (5 suits, 5 copies).

In the OTHER inside pocket are three booklets of Department of the Air Force policy that drive my awareness and my focus. I regularly review these documents so that I have a greater understanding of the servant/service mindset of those I serve.

The other day on LinkedIn, I posted photos of poppies (here) that are dedicated to Airmen that are special to me, members of the USAF who were taken from us too early. If you're reading this, you know of someone - or you know someone who knows someone - who was taken too early.

Remember them today.

While America continues to celebrate a long weekend, please join me in honoring the "because of" and the "so that" behind why we take a day to reflect. For the first 47 years of my life, I thought this weekend was about thanking those who serve or served in uniform.

The past 5 years have taught me that there is more to it than that. 

My promise to you is that I'm learning; I'm leaning toward gaining an understanding, starting with the logical, and digging deep into the emotional. This work we do... it matters.

Sending light and love to you, your family, your friends, and those we remember today.

V/r,

JW

PS if you need someone to talk with, my phone is on...always.

805-798-1362