STEPS TO HONOR

We actually saw the sun shining today in the Bluegrass! We haven't seen much of it lately so with the cool breeze and 65 degree weather, I decided to run my three miles outside today.

GySgt. Tony Rider was a platoon leader during my son’s first deployment to Iraq. Tony is a Marine reservist from Kansas City. His platoon was activated and deployed with the Tow Platoon back in 2005. Tony is a hero in more ways than one. Not only is he a great Marine, but he is a good mentor, a good friend, and a terrific husband and daddy to three beautiful girls. Knowing my son was deployed with someone like Tony made it a lot easier to sleep at night. Thanks for your service, Tony!

Major Walter Leaumont serves in the Kentucky National Guard, working full time as a training and administrative officer for a Brigade Support Battalion. (I do have to mention that he started his military career as a Marine!) He is a source of encouragement, always has a smile on his face, and is a HUGE UK sports fanatic! I actually met Walt as somewhat of a penpal. He started out as a name on my care package list, but he and I wrote a few letters back and forth and four or five years later, I’ve had a chance to get to know him. Walt goes beyond the call of duty to make this nation a better place! Thanks Walt!

Capt. Chris Conklin is a Chaplain in the USAF. He is currently deployed. He has a heart for Christ and has been faithful to share Christ’s love with our troops. We need guys like Chris! He is there to keep our troops encouraged when they are separated from family and dealing with all the harsh realities of deployment. I know he is changing lives and it was a privilege to run a mile in his honor today.