Why I love 4:30 (on base)...

This afternoon, I was sitting in the back yard blogging while watching the kids play on the playground with the neighbors. At promptly 4:30 pm everday, the Star Spangled Banner plays. This is to signal the end of the duty day as well as the time that the main flag on base is lowered. (A military custom called retreat) You can hear the song wherever you are at on base. The kids on the playground have been taught to put their hand on their heart. Some of the kids have seen their daddies salute, if they are in uniform, so they sometimes do that too. It is super cute to see 5 kids between the ages of 3-6 stop sliding and building their bark dust castles for a minute or two to listen as our national anthem plays. One of these days I will try to snap a picture to post. Mr. J and I also find it quite humorous to watch what people do on base when this plays (often times I am leaving work at this time). One time I saw this older civilian guy at the hospital try to run to his car so he didn't have to stand still. And although the main thought in mind is usually to get home asap after work, I do enjoy this time of quiet reflection and am thankful that I live in this great nation.

Speaking of the Air Force, I thought I would take a second to brag on my little brother. He joined the Air Force in 2004, right after he graduated high school (and Miss M was born). He was stationed in Wichita, KS (where he met and married his wonderful wife) and this year they got orders to England, where they get to travel and see awesome things (he took her to Paris for the 1st anniversary!). Anyways, while he has worked full time at his AF job, he has taken online classes and just a couple weeks ago graduated with his bachelor's degree! For the last few months he has been working on applying to a program that would allow him to become a Medical Service Corps (MSC) Officer. The civilian equivalent to this job would be a healthcare administrator. The application process has included interviews and essays and I am sure a lot of paperwork. Well, I got the very excited call from him this morning at 6:45 am that he got accepted! I am so proud of him! Way to Go!!! Below is a picture of them at their beautiful wedding.