Old Dreams. New Blues.

Andrew was asked to participate in a patriotic program -- no; I'm not intentionally trying to be all alliterated; it just happened that way -- at church yesterday, and to show up in uniform.

As in, dress blues.

Only, the only dress blues hanging in the son and heir's closet were his original set -- issued ten years ago when he completed basic training.

Airman Andrew discovered to his chagrin something he had already suspected: the suit did not fit. Eighteen being a far skinnier cry than twenty-eight, he could not wear it. But not to panic.

Off he went to a nearby Air Force base and asked for new blues.

He came away beautifully outfitted and with all of his many decorations finally in place on his (now broader than before, but no less brave) chest.

And here, just in time for the quintessential patriotic holiday, we have a genuine American hero who is about to be deployed to the Middle East for the third time in his career as a boom operator.

Beginning in late July, he'll be refueling fighter planes in flight over Afghanistan for approximately five weeks.

Meanwhile, we have these treasures: our hero pictured after the program last evening with his parents, with two of his sisters, with one of his beloved nieces, and with his girl.

Hashtag iPhoneography strikes again.

And that is all for now except to say to all those who leave their homes and families to defend our nation throughout her days: Thank you for your service.

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Happy Monday :: Happy Birthday, America