PTSA experience - Veteran's Day

 When I was in school, my mom was always involved.  PTA, Classroom Mom, helping to teach the computer lab, whatever.  You name it, my mom did it.  She was awesome at jumping right into the scene and teaching us the importance of school through her example of dedicating time to school.  Heaven knows she had plenty of other things competing for her time, but she always made time to volunteer in some capacity at our schools.

Fast forward, I decided at the start of the school year I would take this on as my next endeavor.  I needed to get through the Hydrocephalus WALK before making it official, but I have now joined the Timberline Middle School and Lone Peak High School PTSA groups.  I don't think they have figured out yet that the kids are my step-kids, but it doesn't matter to me.  I love them as much as I can imagine, so I think that makes it all the same. :)

I was in charge of the Veteran's Day Assembly today (well, actually there were two to fit in all of the kids), so I went to one of my dear friends (Lt. Col Jay Bishoff, who I know from work) - and he said yes!  He was in the Air Force as a surgeon for 24 years, and was deployed to the war in Iraq for a period of time in 2006.  He wrote a book titled, "Boots of War" as result of his experience, and I had the privilege of editing some sections of it for him.

He gave a tremendous presentation - and it was absolutely so touching that I cried in both assemblies. :)  What a silly girl I can be...

We invited the veterans who live in the school boundaries or have connection to students at the school, which brought out 9 veterans.  They represented every conflict from WWII on through current time.  What an incredible experience.

I was blessed enough to have Chad's surgeries for this morning cancelled so he was able to join us for the first assembly.  Here's a pic with my sweetheart and one of my role models....two truly great men.

Overall, I would say my first official public PTSA-(step)-mom activity went very well.  The veterans that attended were thrilled with the food I prepared for the break between assemblies - and very touched by the presentation.  Many of the kids were tearful and came up on stage or greeted the veterans in the hall after the assemblies to tell them thank you and shake their hands.  Such a great opportunity to teach them gratitude and respect for our amazing military personnel.  Even though I have heard Dr. Bishoff give this presentation - and have read the book cover-to-cover very carefully many time, today it was different.  I was able to share my tender feelings about this with these kids and suddenly it was even more real than before.  I will never feel the same about this holiday after this experience.

Happy Veteran's Day!