Today, on Veteran’s Day, I am thankful for all those who have served and are serving in our Armed Forces. I pray, I never take for granted the blessings and opportunities that I have by living in this great country of the United States of America.
As I think about the meaning of this day, I always think about veterans who have made a difference in my life. I grew up in Colorado Springs and the city was surrounded by five military bases. You couldn’t go anywhere without seeing someone in a military uniform. I am grateful that my parents taught me to treat the military with gratitude and respect. I had the opportunity to be on a bus route that went to one of the military bases, Fort Carson, and during this time, I was able to see how much of sacrifice military members made to serve our country.
This weekend, I have been reflecting on a few veterans who have made a difference in my life and have helped me throughout life in making decisions and pointing me in the right direction.
I would have to first thank my parents, Doug and Doris Hutton. My Dad served in the Air Force and my Mom served in the Army. It was through our church’s military ministry that they met, ended up getting married and then had me…biggest blessing of their life! They both instilled into me a work ethic, a schedule, how to have honour and respect. I know they raised me and my siblings in a Christian home but I know some of the military ways were instilled and grounded into us as we were growing up. There is so much that I can thank my parents for, but today I want to say thank you for your service.
Next person that played a huge part in my life is my first boss, Willie McCall. He served in the Army and he was a tank sergeant if I remember correctly. Mr. Willie wasn’t a church member where I went to church, but he probably did more to keep me in church than most people I went to church with. During this time, I had an attitude, I had a rebellious spirit, I was critical but Mr. Willie was always there to remind me that my life was far better than his or all my co-workers at the time. I wasn’t in trouble with the law, I didn’t have messed up relationships, he would always point me back to church telling me not to quit and if I did, I would end up like them. Mr. Willie was my second father it seemed during this time, always reprimanding me when I needed it and encouraging me when I felt like giving up! Thank you Mr. Willie for the impact you had on my life.
The last person who played a huge part in my life was Mike Chantigian. He served in both the Marines and the Army. Bro. Chantigian was my bus captain most of my high school life. We were Bus 15 and we went to Fort Carson every week to reach those military families. He showed me that it was alright to never take no for an answer when out visiting for church. He made serving God fun, he made spending all day on the bus route worth it. During my teen years when I was most impressionable, he made a huge impression on my life by showing me it was best to serve God no matter what!
To these and all who have and are serving, I say thank you.
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