General Dad took his final flight in the KC-135 aerial refueler Friday afternoon and everyone came out to watch him land. As soon as he came down the ladder, my Super Mom and little brother (backed up by all of my sisters) hosed him down with a high powered water hose thanks to the firetruck that was parked on the flight line. This tradition was so fun to be a part of!
I'm thinking that you have to get hosed down with freezing water so that you don't cry! After flying for over 30 years, this moment was bittersweet for the General.
My baby brother is at the front end of the hose with my mom-- I'm next in line! We got him good!
General Dad with his Colonel Dad. My Grandpa is a retired rescue chopper pilot. Great, brave men run in the family.
My General Dad with his mom and dad.
Mister Husband and I hopped up into the cockpit to snap a quick picture. I bet my General Dad is going to miss the view sitting in that pilot's seat!
The official ceremony took place Saturday morning. The weather was outstanding-- the wind was a bit out of control... but it made for beautiful photos! Ashley Warren is the brilliant photographer behind these beautiful shots, thanks Ashley!
General Dad's the third one in line...
I'm pretty sure my General Dad is the most handsome man in uniform of all time...
Super Mom went up to the stage to pin on General Dad's stars! Isn't she just BEAUTIFUL!?!
This is by far my favorite photo of the day. It captures the love and support between my parents- they inspire me every day!
My dad is an amazing speaker- at one point, he stopped his speech so that we could all admire the P-51 mustang flying over the ceremony. I LOVED that moment!
This was right after the ceremony! We were all telling my Super Mom goodbye... she had to run off as soon as the ceremony was over to do her testing to earn her BLACK BELT in Tae Kwon Do! Isn't that amazing?!? If anyone ever wonders why I call her Super Mom-- that one fact should be enough!
That's me in the polka-dots chatting with my sisters and aunts. Great day!
I cannot express how proud I am of my General Dad and of my kick-a black belt Super Mom. They never cease to amaze me! I couldn't be more proud to be in a military family and couldn't be more proud to call Brigadier General Steven James Berryhill my dad. He deserves this honor more than any man I have ever known and has served his country unselfishly and bravely for over 30 years. I have been blessed beyond words to be raised by such inspiring individuals! Thanks abode lovers for allowing me to share such a special day with all of you! I hope you guys have a great Monday!
I totally teared up reading this post! There's something so special about daddy's and their daughters. Congratulations to your family. What special memories!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the sweet shout out! I am so proud for your whole family! You mother certainly is super woman! I need her secret!! Congrats again to your father. My family was blessed to serve under his leadership.
ReplyDeleteThis is so great! Congratulations to your family! Erica
ReplyDeleteWhat a tremendous accomplishment! Congratulations to your Dad and your whole family! So thankful his/their service!
ReplyDeleteI had tears in my eyes reading your post! What an amazing family you have and wonderful role models! I cannot imagine the feeling you all had with the events from the weekend! Congratulations and a huge thank you to your Father and the rest of your family for the dedication and sacrifices made over the years. Your Mom is definitely a Super Mom to with the black belt! Love all the pictures!
ReplyDeleteAndrea
the-blonde-ambitions.blogspot.com
Thanks for sharing such a wonderful weekend. My father was a retired Navy captain and, as you probably know, the military was his life. he always said, "if the Navy wanted me to have a wife and family they would have issued me one". He was joking (I think). Anyway, we buried him with full military honors in Arlington just three years ago and your story brought me back to a wonderful time in my life. Thank your Dad for his service and, again, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a tremendous group of men if your family! Congratulations to your dad and thanks to him for his years of service!
ReplyDeleteI have followed your blog for quite some time loving all your "homely" blogs. But this is just beautiful. Congratulations to your father and you know what they say "Behind every successful man there is a woman". Your mother and family are just as much a part of your Dad's promotions and successes. My husband is in the Australian Army and just hope my daughter and son (who are on 12 and 10) in years to come look back at their Dad with such devotion and love that you and your family have shown us today, it's absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing this beautiful momentous occassion with all of us.
ReplyDeleteOMGoodness, this brought back so many beautiful memories! My FIL was a pilot in WW2, he flew P38 Lightenings. They were the protction for the bombers. After the war he was a commercial pilot for over 30 years. We did the same thing and went to see him come in for the last flight. In fact, I wrote a poem for him caled "The Last Flight". Your parents look like your sister and brother!!!!!!!!!!! You should be extremely proud of both of them. LOVED seeing these pics. My then 7 year old son took a picture of my FIL and MIL in the cockpit after he came in. It is a fabulous picture that they treasured for all the years after that. Thanks so much for sharing this. XO, Pinky PS, thanks to your Dad AND Mom for all his years of service.
ReplyDeletewow...congrats to your dad and your family. Such an amazing day!
ReplyDeleteYour story brought tears to my eyes also. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful event with your devoted readers.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI don't often comment, but often visit. But this time I just needed to tell you that your entire family is fantastic, people you can truly be proud of ! (and you are, rightly so :)
All the best,
peter from the other end of the world
I just love your blog..your design style, the lovely tribute to your wedding month but this was an awesome post. Cherish all the memories ..you just don't know when that is all you will have suddenly. The photo's of your parents are beautiful. The way they look at each other tells all. Thanks to you Father for his years of service and your mother for graciously sacraficing him as well.
ReplyDeletehave a great weeek!
Maureen
the photo of your dad looking at your mom is AMAZING. what a great image to have captured
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to your dad and family. What a wonderful honor to share together. I am the grand daughter of a retired Air Force pilot. :)
ReplyDeleteI just came across your blog and I am so glad I did! I am part of an Air Force family as well, and this post just tugged at my heart! Congratulations to you dad and your family! What a beautiful moment!
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