Scenes From Mommy's Promotion

As we mentioned in an earlier blog, mommy promotion ceremony was Thursday. She is now officially a Lt. Colonel. The ceremony took place at the Defense Information school at Ft. Meade.

Rev. Mark Waddell, the pastor of Catonsville Unitd Methodist Church, offered the invocation.

Lt. Col. Will Manley, the Deputy Commandant of DINFOS, introduced the guest speaker.

Col. King Gillespie has been a mentor to mommy for most of her military career. He was the guest speaker, and he also administered the oath of office.

Mommy's uncle and aunt, Jim and Judy Brady, flew in from Arkansas and helped "pin on" her new rank.

After taking the oath and pinning on her new rank, mommy said a few words, and had some special gifts for those who took part in the ceremony. The sweetest moment was when she presented Merrilee with her first "big girl" wrist corsage.

A few other special people were there to witness the promotion -- our friend and neighbor, Sharon Jones, and our friend and Vietnam vet, Al Parsons.

Lt. Col. Beth Miller. We are all so proud of you!