Flashback: A New General

On October 12, Richard was "pinned" a Colonel in the United States Army. It is a promotion he has long worked for. It's been 21 years since he was commissioned an officer, and since then he has fulfilled duty and obligation and schooling to climb the ranks. The neat thing about promotions are - although they happen on paper in government offices at the Pentagon, are approved by Congress, and are signed by the President of the U.S. - that the final act of pinning the new rank or emblem on the uniform is done by a person of the Soldier's choice. In this case, he chose his family.

The Soldiers stand at Attention to Orders as Colonel L. Schmidt reads the Promotion by Order of the President of the United States.I get to pin the eagle on his uniform.
Cooper gets to pin the eagle on his hat - with help from mom and Austin.

Richard speaks to family, friends, and Soldiers gathered there.

Cooper's first in line for the cake at the reception following the pinning on. The chaplain who helped me set up the table and get everything ready to serve said he is the "acting Relief Society President" in the battalion.

The Proud Family (minus Austin who had to leave early).

This daddy deserves this honor!

Richard was commissioned an officer - a Second Leiutenant - on his birthday in 1987. At that time, the spouses of all new officers were invited to a luncheon at the State Capital by the Govenor of Utah. Since I would be his spouse in less than two weeks' time, I attended. We had a wonderful meal and then listened as the Govenor spoke of the Soldiers' responsibilities. He then reminded us of our important place - and even told us to keep in mind that we would always be one rank ahead of our spouses. That makes me a GENERAL now! And don't think that I let the Colonel forget it!