In the time it took the chorus to sing the song, I found and lost my perfect photograph. Even though I had those three cameras and plenty of film left, I didn’t take it. I didn’t want to disturb the sanctity of that moment. But I will keep that image in my mind to remember two things: at heart, a soldier never leaves the army, and a military spouse’s pride and love know no timeline.
Abigail L. Hammond
Standing Tall
Anyone who fights for the future lives in it today.
Ayn Rand
Forty-seven cadets have been commissioned today; forty-seven young men and women are prepared to start new careers as lieutenants in the U.S. Army. One officer will retire.
Friends and family have come from all parts of the world to witness the commissioning and my husband’s retirement. O’ma has come from Florida, his sister from Texas and his brother from New York. Our daughter is newly home from college, and our son has surprised us both by flying in from Italy. Friends we haven’t seen in years are here to share in another big step in our lives.
Looking out on the long room of people drinking wine and eating hors d’oeuvres, my mind wanders back twenty-three years. . . .
Indiantown Gap Military Reservation. The auditorium is packed with friends and family all prepared to watch the event about to take place onstage. Straining to see my husband of a year, I see the colors being presented and the commissionees march onstage. There he is! He stands tall in his newly purchased uniform; the fit is flawless; the creases are perfect. Everything about his appearance shows pride, from the high gloss of his black shoes to the shine of his new brass. He looks young and sure of himself.
The cadets and audience are told to be seated, and Pennsylvania’s Senator Carlisle is introduced as guest speaker. His long-winded speech of duty, honor and country seems endless as the audience awaits the swearing in. Finally, General Jeffrey is standing before the cadets asking them to “Stand and repeat after me: I, state your name, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter—so help me God.”
It’s over. He’s a lieutenant. He’s a commissioned officer.
“Mom, Mom, we need more fresh fruit for the buffet table. Can you help me?”How like my daughter to drag me from my dreams and force my attention to the immediate.
“Of course, Meg,” I respond, as I try to get back to the duties at hand. But this seems to be a day to digress.
How many times have I replenished trays on a buffet table? Has it really been twenty-three years? Twenty-three years of packing household goods and moving around the world to find exciting adventures, good friends and new challenges have gone by so quickly. Where has the time gone?
It seems only yesterday we packed our meager four hundred pounds of belongings and flew to Germany for his first assignment. What great experiences we had exploring the old castles of Wurtzberg and looking for small country winestubes so we could sample the local vintage. What long hours he kept at his new job. And then there were the separations. There was the year he spent in Vietnam and his year in Korea. How he missed the kids. We couldn’t write enough letters or send enough pictures.
The adventures have been extensive. We lived in old dragoon barracks in Kansas; in quarters built during the Japanese occupation of Korea; on the warm sandy beaches of Florida where our daughter learned how to swim; and in New Mexico, where our son used a waxed Formica ski on the white sand dunes. To think we used to worry about the children and how our nomadic lifestyle would affect their growing up! They have thrived with each of our moves.
The time has gone. . . .
“Mrs. Buchwald, it’s time to start. Would you please take your place?”
“Of course, Major Stewart.” I am pulled back into the present.
There he is in his uniform for the last time. He stands tall. He’s gained a little weight, but not much. His uniform fits well; the creases are perfect. His shoes have a high gloss, and the brass of the uniform is worn but polished. Above his left pocket are the medals that show his commitment to duty, honor and country. He has a touch of gray at his temples and moist eyes as he stares at a distant point at the far end of the room.
“Attention to orders!” says Colonel Jackson. “Buchwald, Clarence R., Jr., Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army Cadet Command, Cornell University, you are retired from active service, released from assignment and duty, and, on July 31, 1989, placed on the retired list. The people of the United States express their thanks and gratitude for your faithful service. Your contributions to the defense of the United States of America are greatly appreciated.”
We’ve made it. All we can do is hug one another while thoughts of twenty-three years tumble through our minds.
Margaret Buchwald
Who Is Jack Canfield?
Jack Canfield is one of America’s leading experts in the development of human potential and personal effectiveness. He is both a dynamic, entertaining speaker and a highly sought-after trainer. Jack has a wonderful ability to inform and inspire audiences toward increased levels of self-esteem and peak performance.
Jack most recently released a book for success entitled, The Success Principles: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be. He is the author and narrator of several bestselling audio- and videocassette programs, including Self-Esteem and Peak Performance, How to Build High Self-Esteem, Self-Esteem in the Classroom and Chicken Soup for the Soul—Live. He is regularly seen on television shows such as Good Morning America, The Today Show, 20/20 and Fox and Friends. Jack has coauthored numerous books, including the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, Dare to Win and The Aladdin Factor (all with Mark Victor Hansen), 100 Ways to Build Self-Concept in the Classroom (with Harold C. Wells), Heart at Work (with Jacqueline Miller) and The Power of Focus (with Les Hewitt and Mark Victor Hansen).
Jack is a regularly featured speaker for professional associations, school districts, government agencies, churches, hospitals, sales organizations and corporations. His clients have included the American Dental Association, the American Management Association, AT&T, Campbell’s Soup, Clairol, Domino’s Pizza, GE, Hartford Insurance, ITT, Johnson & Johnson, the Million Dollar Roundtable, NCR, New England Telephone, Re/Max, Scott Paper, TRW and Virgin Records. Jack has taught on the faculty of Income Builders International, a school for entrepreneurs.
Jack conducts an annual seven-day training called “Breakthrough to Success.” It attracts entrepreneurs, educators, counselors, parenting trainers, corporate trainers, professional speakers, ministers and others interested in improving their lives and the lives of others.
For free gifts from Jack and information on his materials and availability, go to:
Web site: www.jackcanfield.com
Self-Esteem Seminars
P.O. Box 30880
Santa Barbara, CA 93130
phone: 805-563-2935 • fax: 805-563-2945
Who Is Mark Victor Hansen?
In the area of human potential, no one is more respected than Mark Victor Hansen. For more than thirty years, Mark has focused solely on helping people from all walks of life reshape their personal vision of what’s possible. His powerful messages of possibility, opportunity and action have created powerful change in thousands of organizations and millions of individuals worldwide.
He is a sought-after keynote speaker, bestselling author and marketing maven. Mark’s credentials include a lifetime of entrepreneurial success and an extensive academic background. He is a prolific writer with many bestselling books such as The One Minute Millionaire, The Power of Focus, The Aladdin Factor and Dare to Win, in addition to the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Mark has made a profound influence through his library of audios, videos and articles in the areas of big thinking, sales achievement, wealth building, publishing success, and personal and professiona
l development.
Mark is the founder of the MEGA Seminar Series. MEGA Book Marketing University and Building Your MEGA Speaking Empire are annual conferences where Mark coaches and teaches new and aspiring authors, speakers and experts on building lucrative publishing and speaking careers. Other MEGA events include MEGA Marketing Magic and My MEGA Life.
He has appeared on television (Oprah, CNN and The Today Show), in print (Time, U.S. News & World Report, USA Today, New York Times and Entrepreneur) and on countless radio interviews, assuring our planet’s people that “You can easily create the life you deserve.”
As a philanthropist and humanitarian, Mark works tirelessly for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, March of Dimes, Childhelp USA and many others. He is the recipient of numerous awards that honor his entrepreneurial spirit, philanthropic heart and business acumen. He is a lifetime member of the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, an organization that honored Mark with the prestigious Horatio Alger Award for his extraordinary life achievements.
Mark Victor Hansen is an enthusiastic crusader of what’s possible and is driven to make the world a better place.
Mark Victor Hansen & Associates, Inc.
P.O. Box 7665
Newport Beach, CA 92658
phone: 949-764-2640
fax: 949-722-6912
Visit Mark online at: www.markvictorhansen.com
Who Is Cindy Pedersen?
Cindy is currently the publisher of KITPLANES magazine, a title sold worldwide to individuals who build and fly their own private aircraft. She has spent the past twenty-eight years in broadcasting and publishing. In addition to the current Chicken Soup project, she cofounded the charitable foundation (not-for-profit) Web site: www.militarysoul.org with coauthor and business associate, Charles Preston. The interactive portal is designed to make a positive difference in the lives of military troops, their families and patriots.
Cindy was raised in western New York and now makes Southern California her home. She comes from an entrepreneurial family with a long history of military service. Her grandfather served in World War I, father in World War II, husband in the Bay of Pigs, and her son is currently in the Army Reserve. She is the proud mother of Tina and Anthony, and “Granny” to Brandon.
When not working, Cindy enjoys the beach, jazz, theater, world travel, and church and community activities.
She can be reached at:
MilitarySoul.org
P.O. Box 1501
Solana Beach, CA 92075
phone: 760-942-5483
e-mail:
[email protected] Web site: www.militarysoul.org
Who Is Charles Preston?
Charles Preston is the senior advertising manager for KITPLANES magazine, a title sold worldwide to individuals who build and fly their own private aircraft. In addition to coauthoring Chicken Soup for the Military Wife’s Soul, he cofounded the charitable foundation (not-for-profit) Web site: www.militarysoul.org with coauthor and business associate, Cindy Pedersen. The interactive portal is designed to make a positive difference in the lives of military troops, their families and patriots. He has more than thirty years of experience in marketing and advertising.
Charles followed a family tradition of military service by joining the U.S. Navy in 1966. He served aboard the USS Arlington AGMR–2 and as a yeoman on the staff of Commander Cruiser–Destroyer Group 3. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam.
Charles is an avid antique shopper, car buff and photographer. His other interests include flying, ice hockey, gardening and spending time on the beach.
Charles was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota. He currently resides in Southern California with his wife Robin. Together, they are active in local concerns.
He can be reached at:
Militarysoul.org
P.O. Box 1501
Solana Beach, CA 92075
phone: 760-942-5483
e-mail:
[email protected] Web site: www.militarysoul.org
Contributors
Julie Angelo received her bachelor’s degree in education from Youngstown State. She has been a military spouse for more than sixteen years and has taught in Texas and Louisiana. Currently living in Ohio, she is doing the toughest job of all—raising children! She can be reached at
[email protected] earthlink.net.
Both Megan Armstrong and her husband serve their country from Washington State: He is in the army, and she is in the air force. They were married in 2003, and because of a related article, had a picture and story of their wedding featured on the front page of the Seattle Post Intelligencer on Saturday, March 1, 2003.
Steven Arrington (Col., USAF—Ret.) is a decorated combat veteran and retired after thirty years of service. He’s been married to Jane for twenty-eight years, and his tribute to all military spouses was born from his observations— and quiet admiration—of the numerous sacrifices he watched her make through eighteen PCS moves.
Tracy Atkins received a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Maryland in 1998. She and her husband, MJ, have two children, Brittany and Michael Jr. She enjoys traveling, reading and volunteering.
Patricia Barbee grew up and was educated in Boston. She began writing in the fifth grade. She has written for various publications and is a published fiction author. She met her late marine husband in church in Boston the same week he arrived on the USS Wasp.
Susanna Hickman Bartee received degrees in history and journalism from Southern Methodist University in 1990. She and her husband have four children. In 2004, she launched www.militarymama.net, a unique and humorous look at the military lifestyle. She can be reached at
[email protected] Melissa Baumann is a freelance writer (wishing for a job), navy wife and mother of three boys whose antics practically deliver column fodder. She’s also a full-time college student, Webmaster and fund-raising guru for her sons’ crew team in Chesapeake, Virginia. She can be reached
[email protected] Jessica Blankenbecler is fourteen years old and a sophomore in high school. She loves the sun and swimming, and enjoys writing in her journal. She plans to go on to college, but her field of study is unknown at this time.
William H. Blankfield Jr. (Col., USAF—Ret.) received a B.A. from Lasalle College (now University) in Philadelphia in 1949. He taught school (history, geography and Latin) until being recalled to active duty in 1951. He was commissioned in 1952 and spent most of his twenty-six years in the service in communications/electronics. His service included two years during World War II. He retired in 1974 and has been basking in idleness ever since—busy idleness, of course.
Carrie Boggs currently resides on a farm with her husband, Jeremy, in the beautiful hills of Tennessee. The couple is very active at Gum Springs Baptist Church near their home. The couple enjoys the outdoors and spending time with their families. She can be reached at
[email protected] Heidi Boortz received her B. A. in English/creative writing from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire in 1996. She has two young sons, and they are her inspiration for children’s stories she would like to publish someday.
Margaret Buchwald was the quintessential “camp follower” for twenty-three years. She mastered the art of wives’ clubs, raising children and pets, managing husband and soldier, and years of separation. After receiving her bachelor’s and master’s degrees later in life, she is now an English teacher in Palm Beach, Florida.
Saundra L. Butts is a youth pastor, navy wife and mother of three residing in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She received bachelor of arts degrees in American government and rhetoric and communication studies from the University of Virginia in 1983. She is currently working on her master’s degree in Christian ministry at Asbury Theological Seminary, and enjoys writing, reading, softball and golf. She can be reached at
[email protected] Candace Carteen has obtained several degrees. She’s a Toastmaster (CTM-B), mother of one son and wife to her beloved best friend. Candace enjoys s
wimming, reading, skating and playing with her family. She’s currently seeking a publisher for a book series she’s written. She can be reached at
[email protected] aemail4u.com. (Note: Yes, she owns the picture.)
Mary Catherine Carwile has just published her first book, Heartstrings at 35,000 Feet. Her contribution is from that book. Her book holds a collection of personal stories she garnered in her job as a flight attendant: from conversations she had with passengers—stories about tragedy, happiness, romance, family, courage, friendship and heroism. Mary can be reached at www.marycarwile.com.
Mary C. Chace is a seasoned army wife, who has navigated combat deployments, cross-country moves and long separations from her favorite helicopter pilot, all while homeschooling their large family. She is currently developing a freelance career from their home near Fort Campbell, Kentucky. She can be reached at
[email protected] Roxanne Chase is a U.S. Air Force veteran. Her poem was inspired by her “fly-boy” husband Sergeant Reed Chase. Roxanne enjoys writing, cooking and entertaining. Her biggest joy, however, comes from raising her daughter Hayven. She can be reached at
[email protected] Amie Clark is currently a home daycare provider for military families. She attended Ashland University in Ohio and is currently working on her elementary-education degree. Amie is a wife and mother of two boys. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, reading and spending time with her family. She would like to take up painting when her children are a little older. She can be reached at
[email protected] Lisa Cobb is a registered nurse and an army wife. She is the mother of three children. She and her family have traveled extensively during their seventeen years of service. She enjoys caring for her family and outdoor activities. Professionally, she enjoys hospice work and teaching childbirth classes.
Dianne Collier, author, columnist and military wife for more than thirty-five years, has experienced firsthand the unique challenges faced by military families. In her bestselling book, My Love, My Life (2004), Dianne turns to military spouses from across Canada, the United States, and overseas to tell their stories. She can be reached at
[email protected]