[bobfreedman]

My father and younger brother both served 20 years in the Navy, I only served 10 but that was more than enough for me.

I am touched by everyone’s attitude these days, it wasn’t “cool” to like veterans in the 80’s and 90’s. I did not tell many people that I served back then but feel honored to a grateful country now.

This year has been the hardest in my life by far. I lost my 31 year old son in February and my 28 year old three weeks later in two separate unrelated occurrences. I have told a couple people here and they have been very supportive. In writing this, I still sob uncontrollably. This board and collecting in general, for the most part is a haven away from what has happened to my wife and I. I am blessed to have two boys that I now don’t want to let them out of my sight. I appreciate all those that have helped and supported me. Thank you