Gothic Arches ... Patriotism

When I saw the challenge over at Gothic Arches this week was Patriotism I had to participate. My arch features my hubby because he is the most patriotic person I know. Although he was officially only on active duty 2 years he has 28 years in with the national guard. They are what is called weekend warriors and are suppose to be on duty one weekend a month and two weeks a year however my hubby was on duty much more than that. He was often called to do an extra two – six weeks several times a year and he would always go. Over the years he spent many weeks teaching the younger guys, fighting fires, shooting competition for his unit and he even went to the LA riots. Although he did not get to go to Irac his heart was there with his unit. About a month before they were to leave he blew his knee out while on duty and it required surgery. He was devastated when they would not let him go… so when I think of patriotism I think of my hubby :)