Page 68 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2025 - Online Magazine

raCHel - army
matt - air FOrCe / army natiOnal GUard | iraq

that is so important to them, and the pride that they feel
because of it will always be theirs. It makes my sister
and me proud to hear people thank our parents for their
service, but even more proud, to hear my mom or dad
reply, “It was an honor.”

Some people wait their whole lives to meet their heroes,
but ours are raising us.

and me the privilege of learning what selfless service and
sacrifice truly means.

We didn’t experience active-duty military life during my
parents’ enlistments, but we have seen how their military
service has impacted them since. My parents attribute
their service and military values to helping them become
the people that they are today.

Our parents’ selfless service continues into the career
choices they have made. Both have chosen service-
oriented professions, and they continue their duty
to improve and protect our city and surrounding
communities. As parents, they have taught my sister
and me to respect and honor not only those who have
served in the military, but also our Nation’s flag, and
the freedoms that we have as Americans. We have been
taught to understand the importance of integrity, service,
and personal courage. We are encouraged to build
our beliefs based on faith and freedom but to also take
personal responsibility for these beliefs.

Having veterans for parents is something that we will
always be proud of. Their military service is something

68 Lubbock Senior Link