Since I was a child I have held a sense of determination. I have played sports since I was a child. I played a number of them, and they were not easy to learn, but once I had the grasp of what I was doing I had the determination to not only succeed but to excel at what I was doing for not only myself but for my team.
As life went on I have grown, gained an amazing family and I have an amazing military career. I have excelled in my career in the military because of the determination that I carried in my heart that I was not only serving my country but I was doing everything that I could for my three blessings that have been by my side since their birth. When I deployed I promised that when my tour was over that I was going to come back and we would be a family again. In a number of instances during that deployment the only thing I could hang on to in order to give myself strength was the promise that I had made would make it back to my three amazing children.
My children in the mean time have carried on with the same determination in their own lives. My children are amazing players when it comes to soccer. I am so thankful that they have the determination and the dedication that they carry in their hearts. It is really for a selfish reason on my part. My military career is winding to a close due to injuries that I have sustained over my many years of service and now it is time to part ways. Being able to watch my children in action and to see their determination on their face gives me a large sense of pride, and gives me the desire to catch that sense of determination that they display on camera. This also gives me a new determination to improve myself behind the camera. One day I hope that photos like this one will be cherished by my children and that they will see the same things that I see in them in their children.
With this same determination that I have to photograph my children I apply it to all the photos that I have taken. I strive to improve daily and I strive to create beautiful art that all of my clients will cherish and hold dear to their hearts from not until forever.
On a separate note I ask that each and everyone of you take a moment out of your day on Monday to remember all of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines that have fallen due to each of the wars that this great nation has been involved in. Take a moment and honor these great people and everything that not only they but their families have endured and sacrificed. Remember that Memorial Day is not for thanking those of us that are currently living, serving or retired. Memorial Day is meant for everyone to take a knee and honor those who have led before us and have fallen in order to give us what we have today. Those of us that are still here serving or retired have our day, and that day is Veteran's Day. Each of us ask you to honor those who have sacrificed and have given all.
To Blake, I may not have ever had the chance to meet you, but you were a welcomed addition to the family, and each and everyone of us miss you dearly and we know that you are watching from above and looking out for Brandy and Ty.
To Chris, I remember that last moment I saw you as you were out processing to deploy to Afghanistan. I remember the smile on your face, the excitement in your eyes as you were getting ready to deploy. I still cannot believe that you are gone. I think about you and I miss you. I miss your friendship and your wittiness. Above all I know that your family misses you as well.
To Nicholas Clayton I remember the first time that I meant you, and you convinced me to climb on top of the hospital in the middle of a sandstorm to hold the flag so that you could re enlist. The priceless pie in the face contest. I never got the chance to become friends with you, but I honor your memory and you did not deserve to go out like that.
I will never forget the final roll call for each of you, and I will never forget your failure to answer. It has made a hole in my heart.
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