3 minute read
Letter From The Editor
Word From The Mayors ........................................8 Hungry But Humble ............................................13 Finding Comfort In The Harbor ..........................19 More Than A Name ..............................................26
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New Online Tools Help Alabama Veterans .........30 A Home For Heroes ..............................................32
JCANDO ..............................................................38 Serving: Abroad And At Home .............................44 A Fair‘Lee’ Good Time.........................................51
A Family Connection ...........................................55 Serving More Than Cookies ..................................61 More Than Rosie The Riveter ...............................66
Honoring Our Heroes .........................................78 Advertiser Index ..................................................82
In last year’s veterans issue of LIVE Lee, I wrote about my grandfather, Tom Lester, who served in the Korean War as a mechanic on B29 bombers. Unfortunately, we lost him in August. He was 90 and lived a long life, but we will miss him very much.
My brother, however, got to share something very special with him before he passed — my brother signed with the Navy and left for basic training on Oct. 26.
Thomas Lester, my brother, and my grandfather, not only shared a name but a commitment to service for their country.
I am extremely proud of my brother for this commitment he made for God and for his country. And one day, I will call him a veteran.
He will give up a lot for this commitment. He will leave home, he will leave Auburn, he will leave his friends, his family and his church to serve our country. And knowing Thomas, he will do so with pride. But, there will be challenges. I’d wager he will get homesick, he will give up a lot of the comforts he’s come to know and he will endure trials and tribulation.
I want to believe that one day he’ll be stopped in the grocery store and thanked for his service and that he’ll be appreciated. This type of appreciation for our military personnel and our veterans starts with us. We need to remember and pray for our veterans every day. Because they gave up a lot. Some gave up their time. Some gave up their mental or physical health and live with the ramifications of this every day. Others gave up memories with their families. This may be the first Christmas I don’t spend with my brother. And I think our veterans deserve a thank you. Today, on Veterans Day, and every day.
My brother, Thomas Lester, reading his Bible in the Smoky Mountains.
LEGION.ORG
The American Legion and LIVE Lee Magazine
salute our military veterans of all eras this November 11 - and every day. Thank you for serving America with honor, courage and commitment.
Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Jonathan Young
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