The National Guardsmen, citizen warriors, reservists, other military personnel, all are honored each May, as this month is set aside to express our gratitude to all those who protect and defend our United States of America.

The National Guard and Reserve make up almost half of our entire military defense force. Most of those serving have to balance a civilian job with Guard duty, family responsibilities, and the ever present possibility of deployment to foreign soil, or even local emergency.

May we never fail to give respect and honor to our military troops for their sacrifices of time and circumstance with trained response -personally- for our continued freedom.  In this manner, Thank You to each one presently serving in our military, and for those many who have previously served in that respect.

Long may our flag wave over the land you have sacrificed and fought to protect and defend. May God Bless America, and may God bless each soldier!

On this particular day, the Shawnee military personnel gave a delightful old fashioned indoor picnic to honor the families of their soldiers, particularly mothers. Yes it was chilly, windy and misty outside, an Oklahoma springtime day.

Since it was Mother's Day, each mother received a beautiful long stemmed red rose. given with a big smile from a soldier. If soldiers are special people, mothers are more so. Especially today, but forever, too. One could see the gentle touch on a varigated sleeve, note smiles of genuine pride on many faces, and overhear comments of envious admiration from small children. This was an everyday kind of affair with deep and multiplied emotions, and everyone was sharing, caring with homebaked pride, with homemade love and consideration.

The soldiers all chipped in to grant a big feast of varied potato salads, huge hot links and condiments, a melt-in-your mouth tender barbecue with all the trimmings. Soldiers and family members lined up to fill their plates as the appetizing aromas filled the 'meeting hall'.

The soft hum of shared commentings, tiny baby squalls and burps, of firmly given commands, and questions of "Would you like more of this?", permeated every inch of the long room filled with tables and people, with graciousness.

It was almost a disquieting time of watching, waiting in line, as the realization deepened that these same soldiers had faced the horrendous, horrible parts of war we home-folk never see, that some had injuries they would not share publically. And that some would be returning to Afghanistan in just a few months. Again.

The simulated rock tower was a challenge that most did not care to pursue. There were a few brave older souls, and even several courageous children who gave it a good try. There were shouts of 'It's harder than you think!" and "I really can't grab ahold, it just looks like it!"

Dads and Moms joined in the thrilling fun of their children, but the reality of climbing real rocks in real mountains so very far away, still lay quietly near the surface of the proud souls cheering them upward. It was not visible, but it was felt, just below the surface.

Smaller children ran to bounce in the big balloon cave monster. That is always a fun way to use up energy, and to make memories too. There is no joy quite like the innocent fun of children. Their play-scaring in the rubbery cave was totally without fear, completely meshed within the protected safety of freedom and childhood fantasy. That is the way it should be for all children.

The uniquely painted service vehicle was examined and exclaimed about many times. When the play time was over, the designated military personnel quickly and efficiently packed it up and were ready to perform their next assignment. Unknown that, but prepared to perform. They practiced the National Guard slogan in even this small duty: "Always ready, always there."

With the meal over and most of the children through playing, it was announced that an awards ceremony would take place in the back area of the Armory yard. This, in spite of the fact of a chilly and windy mist that touched skin with its almost icy slices. A few citizens had umbrellas, but none would think to miss any of the ceremony for this measly occurrance.

Everyone was strolling and mulling around in the weapons display area which opened into the back where the awards would be given. There would be physical achievement awards and also promotional awards given to four soldiers.

At the command given, each soldier began a walk-run firmly to his specific spot in the outside arena as we ignorant but eager citizens followed to get a place to watch our personal soldier.

They each gathered to his own known spot, were called to attention. As the Master Sergeant called out the name and accomplishement of each honored soldier, they did an 'Army run' to stand before the Master Sergeant and receive their announced award. It was a short and defined ceremony with no extra ingredients, but definite accomplishment completed and saluted.

There were four young men receiving a Physical Accomplishment award, all of them reaching at least a 90% level of achievement.

There were also four young men who received a military rank promotion, each so surely worked for and rewarded.

Everyone watching was linked to the men with pride and satisfaction, and with a small part - a tiny part perhaps - of the accomplishments of these, their soldiers. There was no hulabaloo contained within the ceremony nor the audience, just a quietly celebrated time of honor for our soldiers, and a gift of gratitude to each one.

Our support is so vital to these who service our great Country, at home and abroad.

The National Guard at its inception in 1895 via the Territorial Militia, chose the swasika as a good luck logo. When Hitler came into power this was changed to the Thunderbird, which is the current logo today. The historical story of the Oklahoma National Guard may be explored at http://digital.library.okstate.edu/encyclopedia/entries/O/OK066.html

The ESGR is a Defense Department agency that offers at no cost many resources to assist guardsmen and reservists in whatever employment interactions are necessary.  The ESGR is 'Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve' and assists with many guidelines for pre and post- deployment assistance.  That link is www.ESGR.mil .and is open to any military personnel with employment questions or to assist resolution in such matters.