In life it's not where you go but who you are with……Charles Shultz
Vagabond Tales- Stars and Stripes and 115°
Aug 29- September 1- Phoenix , Arizona …Luke Air Force Base,
Black Widow Squadron
We were invited to our Nephew, Matthew’s retirement ceremony about a month before we left on this trip. We already had our tickets for our trip but the Delta Airline Representative with whom Harry met, bent over backwards to make our change happen.
We arrived a day and a half before the big day. Temperatures were 112° to 115°. Those of us on the east coast don’t know what hot is! At 9:00pm it would still be 100°. Many errands were run on Wednesday in preparation for the celebration so in between trips out we were afforded time to catch up with everyone. Left picture…my sister-in-law, Kathy, with her grandchildren Harper and Eli. Top right picture…brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Matthew’s wife, Kasie, middle photo- Pearl…the lizard. Bottom photo Harper and her Daddy, Matthew.Matthew had a folded flag on both sides of the plane for his last flight. He gave those to the children in the ceremony!Video taken by Michael Eldredge.The Air Force Family. They will be missed! Matthew with his parents, my brother, Rick and sister-in-law, KathyAll that moisture on the tarmac was from his family and friends spraying him with bottles of champagne and fire hydrants full of water. Matthew, Kasie, Eli and Harper.You know these Vagabonds!TAOS and FUSEThe Air Force recognized Kasie, Eli and Harper for their sacrifices, too! I cannot express how inspiring it was sharing in this special time! We are thankful to have been invited!
And so we head off into the wild blue yonder for home. Although we missed the mark of seeing all of the National Parks in the lower forty nine states this trip by one, we were privileged to experience three more beautiful parks our country has set aside for all of us to enjoy. We think we have at least one more park trip in us so stay tuned. Death Valley is slated to open back up in December of this year.
Your adventure reminds me of our military times. It was a privilege to stand by Lt Commander Charles R Buchleiter for 20 years as he served our country in the Navy. Thanks for sharing.
It was such a moving ceremony and we are so thankful and proud of Matthew! We thank you and Charlie for both of your sacrifices for our country’s freedom!
hkdorr 
What a wonderful family celebration. So glad your plans were able to change so that you could attend this event for your nephew.
It was very moving! What an honor to be witnesses!
You & your brother have the exact same smile. Sorry the he
Your adventure reminds me of our military times. It was a privilege to stand by Lt Commander Charles R Buchleiter for 20 years as he served our country in the Navy. Thanks for sharing.
It was such a moving ceremony and we are so thankful and proud of Matthew! We thank you and Charlie for both of your sacrifices for our country’s freedom!