Happy (belated) Memorial Day! While this weekend is typically known as the kickoff to summer that is celebrated with all the BBQ’d foods, fireworks, and pool openings, it’s true meaning should not be forgotten. It may seem to some that the military has “so” many holidays, but after seeing how much they go through on a daily basis, I, personally, don’t think they have enough!

I am proud to say that my brother-in-law, Tom, is a Lieutenant in the US Marine Corps. Throughout college, he attended Office Candidate School (OCS). While the rest of us were out enjoying the beach and our easy summer jobs, he was spending his summer busting his butt from sun up to sun down to train.  Upon graduation from college, he was officially a Commissioned Officer. Since then, he has been re-stationed to NC and already served a 6-month deployment overseas, just to find out he will be going back again in a year.

I’m telling you all this because where I grew up, joining the military uncommon. I had no idea what kind of commitment and dedication it required until experiencing it first hand. And not just for the person serving, but their entire family. His wife, Katie, managed to remain so strong while he was deployed even though they had just been married not more than 6-months beforehand. She and his parents had to get through their first holiday season without their husband and son.

Joining the military is no easy task; it is a very noble, selfless undertaking that puts both an emotional and physical strain on all those involved.  I highly respect all members of our military and thank you for serving!

Note: These pictures were taken in 2011 at Tom’s Commissioning ceremony… less than a year after getting my first DSLR. While it’s not my best work, I am still proud of it!