Joe's In The Hall Of Fame - Virginia

 Quartermasters is the division of the army that specializes in distributing supplies and provisions to troops. This is the part of the Army that Joe has spent his career leading a two star General in the army reserves.

 I remember soon after my mom met Joe when I was 12 that he was always traveling for the military. After they were married, Erin and I spent one weekend a month in Nashville, TN and years later New Orleans, LA, where "General Joe" was commanding troops.

Many times, I remember attending formal Change of Command ceremonies in the sweltering heat. The picture below reminds we of those ceremonies and how my mom was always standing by Joe's side. Several times, I remember soldiers locking their knees and passing out, nose first, on the ground. That is where I learned, "never lock you knees when standing for a long time!"

 Joe receiving his award from the commanding General of Ft. Lee, Virginia.

 Joe was asked to deliver the comments on behalf of his other hall of famer's.

 August, Herb, John, Joe and Marshall.

 The Metcalfs.

 Then our "F.F.F." began! We coined a new term this vacation... "Forced Family Fun!" It was kinda appropriate as we visited the "Quartermaster Museum." It ended up being quite interesting. Take this fact as an example, if you are feeling like your 20 miles per gallon is not enough... The large Abrams tank gets. 0.6 miles per gallon!!!

 Since I was so young when Joe was so active in the military, I really had no clue to ask any questions about what he did. But now I understand what a critical part that the Army's Quartermasters play. Without them doing everything, there could be no fighting or protecting our country or others. They do everything from provide running water to bathe, to make sure that every single soldier has enough to eat each meal, they prevent everything from disease spreading to setting up temporary housing and beds for soldiers to sleep. The Quartermasters are who figure out a way to get enough oil to the right area to run those tens of thousands of vehicles... this sign below sums it up pretty nicely...

 The F.F.F. really was kicked into high gear when the 10 of us loaded up in a suburban and headed around the Petersburg area to visit old battle grounds. The mass amounts of yummy Subway soft baked cookies helped keep us all sane in such close quarters.

 I decided to start a game of how many old canons I could take a picture with... I really won't bore you with all those. ;)

 That night, to celebrate even more, there was a Military Ball held to honor the new inductees.

Just one of the amazing memories of the night, was listening to the first ever female four-star US Army General Lt. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody speak. She was inducted into the Hall Of Fame this year along side Joe. It was very inspirational, as a female, to listen to her and have the pleasure of meeting her, in person. I will never forget how Macy touched her pearls around her neck as she was being introduced and asked, "Are these real???"