Tag Archives: People

An American Hero: Chris Kyle

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Chris Kyle was a husband, father, son, Texan, American and a US Sniper who was murdered on February 2nd while he and a friend were trying to help a fellow soldier with PTSD. Many people know him from his book, some from reality TV or the fact that he holds the record for most confirmed kills in US history. Yesterday, a memorial service was held at Cowboy Stadium with 7,000 people in attendance. Today, a funeral procession was held from his home in Midlothian to Austin, some 200 miles. Along the way, countless people lined the highway to pay respects to a man who never stopped fighting for his country, family and friends and who is a true American Hero.

The funeral procession ran from the football stadium in Midlothian, down highway 287 to 35E to Kyle’s final resting place in Austin. Along the way, thousands waved flags and came to pay their respects. We arrived around 7:45am and soon we were joined by many others who came to do the same. Some by themselves, others with friends, some even had their small children but we were all there for the same reason, to say thank you and pay our respects to a man who showed what a man should be and continued to provide for his country even after he was out of the military.

When the procession finally reached us, the rain came to a drizzle and the atmosphere was silent except for the sound of the vehicles and the helicopter overhead. First, came the motorcyclists, then the hearse carrying Chris Kyle in an American flag covered coffin accompanied by his wife in the front seat. A helicopter flew overhead with a sniper hanging out the side, vigilantly watching over our fallen soldier. He was followed by a couple tour buses filled with family members. Thereafter, it was vehicle after vehicle filled with military members from all branches. Passengers were recording us, along the side of the highway. Some had video camera’s set up on their dash. You could see some of the passengers holding back tears completely amazed at the outreach the community was providing. Some waved, others provided a thumbs up, a couple even had their windows rolled down telling us thank you. There was no need to tell us thank you, we were there to tell Chris Kyle and all other service members thank you. Thank you for your support, dedication and loyalty to this country and providing an example for all.

The actions shown today make me proud to be an American and to live in Texas.

Meeting The Robertsons

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I’ve mentioned my love for Duck Dynasty in prior posts. Heck, we even found their shop in Louisiana. So last week my co-worker and I heard that they were going to be in Wal-Mart (go figure – of all places) signing their book, The Duck Commander Family. Willie and Korie, that is. So, I made sure I had nothing else to do and off to the Big-D I went!
I’ve attended a book signing before and to be honest, it was kind of hellish. It was just hours and hours of waiting in a bookstore line that never moved, however when we got to the front of the line, we spoke to her and got a picture. That part was great. This experience was a little different.
1. It is understandable that you would stand in line at a Wal-Mart to see a self-proclaimed redneck.
2. This line moved and it moved quick (thank you, thank you).
3. As opposed to reading books and sitting on the floor (as the case in the first book signing) we got to quickly go thru the aisles and shop a little. Or peruse in the sporting goods and auto section that is. Did I need any oil and new car seat covers? No, but I got some good Christmas ideas while I was there.
4. Babies. People love having their babies pictures taken with rednecks (and there were some cute ones).
5. Finally, we got to the front of the line. Here is my biggest quirk about the visit. It was super, super rushed. They could only take pictures while signing autographs and they signed quick. So I didn’t get to talk to them, although I’m not really sure what I would have said but it would’ve been nice to have a “moment” but I guess I got one below.
Let’s ignore how ridiculous I look and focus more on how wickedly awesome it is to have a picture taken with these two. More men should have these beards… just sayin’.
Love them – thanks for the signing! Next time, I need to meet Uncle Si and Jase!

Duck Commander

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So as many of you know, we attended a wedding in Fort Walton Beach, Florida this past weekend. This meant a 10-12 hour drive, one way, depending on how many times we stopped. Driving thru five states with good people is pretty fun but more on all that goodness later. I’m about to tell you about greatness.
Now, Sy and I have become hooked on this show called Duck Dynasty. It is greatness. It’s based on these hillbillies in Louisiana that became millionaires by inventing duck calls. Regardless, they are funny, wise and completely personable and I can’t get enough. If you haven’t seen the show, take a moment to stop reading this post and go ahead and set your DVR to record every upcoming episode. Go ahead. Every episode. Yes I’m serious. Good? Alright!
So our trip began bright and early Thursday morning. I was first to drive out of the metroplex (YAY! Out of the metroplex we go!) and headed east! A couple pee breaks (thanks Ray!) and we finally hit our first gas fill up, randomly taking an exit in Monroe, LA. Here I was, at this little ole gas station (not even realizing what town I was in) and looking across the street seeing this sign that says “Bayou Pawn”. Wonder what they had in there is really all that was going thru my head. I got booted from driving and as soon as we got back onto the road, I grabbed Sy’s cool phone with the Internet and started Diana’s rambling.
“I wonder where Duck Commander is.”
“On the way back we have to stop at Duck Commander!”
“It’s a weekday, I wonder if Uncle Si is at Duck Commander.”
“Ah hell, we should’ve tried to find it on our way thru Monroe!”
“We ARE stopping on the way back!” Period.
Sunday rolls around. I have been driving from Fort Walton Beach and we’re rolling into Monroe. Florence, the navigation on Sy’s phone, tells me to exit. I exit. Take a left. I take a left. I go over the highway overpass and stop at the light. What do I see in front of me… Bayou Pawn. !&%@(!
I’m not even kidding you, I took the first right past Bayou Pawn and Duck Commander is sitting right there on the left. Thursday, I was across the street from this place and I didn’t even know it and with my luck Uncle Si and the rest of the gang was in Duck Commander and I was with my city folk across the street. How does this happen?! Next time, I’m going to be prepared! We’re planning ahead!
 My Sy standing next to Uncle Si and the crew! “Hey” “Hey”
Phil!
City boy. Country girl. Duck Commander love!
We just spent the last three days on a white sandy beach on the Florida coast, at a wedding at that and this is the only picture we got together all weekend. Ah well! It’s Duck Commander!
The ducks are still on the roof but it looks like Willie got a new door to his office!
To the folks at Duck Commander, you are fantastic! I’ve even convinced a guy at work to grow out his beard (or maybe he’s convinced me he will do it). We’re coming back thru in September… how about you just happen to be around one Saturday morning? Please?!Now the real question – let’s be realistic here, we weren’t the only ones that stopped to take a picture so I’m figuring there’s some traffic to check out the building. Are any of the guys actually there during the week?