Deb's Retirement

Wednesday afternoon's retirement ceremony began with the families (Rower's, Ellis, Van Vleet and Beatty's) being escorted into the room, and seated in the first two rows. On my assigned seat was packet of Kleenex. Who knew? Good thing, because the ceremony was one big, long kleenex train, and not just for me. First, the Honor Guard posted the colors and the national anthem was sung. First Kleenex.

Lt Webb narrated the ceremony, Ed Luminati (the man who led Jeff to the Lord) gave the invocation. Kleenex #2.

Debbie's close friend and fellow White House nurse, Colonel Kim Sinisculchi, gave the tribute. She spoke with no notes, detailed Deb's entire career and accomplishments for the Air Force, which were many with deep impact on the way Air Force nursing would be done in the future, and even spoke of Jeff's dedication to the home front so Deb could serve her country. Kleenex #3 and 4.

Neighbor Lori sang a song called "My Daughter's Eyes" that Deb dedicated to the girls, who are pictured here with their grandparents and aunts. Add another 2 spent tissues to the purse. Fellow nurses from Mountain Home, Idaho, Andi and Will performed a flag folding ceremony, then Debbie gave the flag to Dad in honor of his service in WW2. Tears, tears and more tears. I'm even tearing up as I post this. It was very moving. Next, Parents medals were given to Mom and Dad Rower, Children's medals given to the girls, and the Spouse medal given to Jeff's mother, Nina. The packet of tissues is almost gone at this point. Finally, gifts were presented by a variety of nurses, nursing organizations, and letters read from commanders who could not be present, including the current Commander in Chief George W. Bush, and former Commander in Chief, George H.W. Bush. The letter from Bush #41 finished out my tissue pack. He really loves Debbie.

There was a nice reception following, with good food and fellowship. The medical world in the Air Force is small, and people knew each other from previous assignments, even though they had made the journey from Alaska, California, Arizona, Idaho, New Mexico, Colorado, D.C., Georgia, and Florida. Debbie has had a remarkable impact on many, many people.

In the picture at the above right Debbie is shown speaking with Nina Beatty as Beth looks on. We were so pleased Nina and Jeff's brother, Dave, and his family could attend and support Deb. Mom and Dad were part of the receiving line, and they were so proud and happy. Both of them commented how wonderful Kim's tribute was. By the way, at the end of the ceremony, Debbie announced something that Kim would never have told us, since it was totally supposed to be Debbie's day. Deb said that Kim was being promoted to the rank of 2-star General, and would be assuming the highest ranking position a nurse could attain: head of all the nurses in the entire Air Force. I'd say Debbie keeps pretty good company.

As you can see, Dad's eyes are looking a little less purple, and he called this his "mask of Zorro" look. True to form, he made the best of a tough situation. I think, in spite of the "mask" that this is one of the best recent photos of the two of them.

So, we all chowed down on the goodies, visited with all the out of town guests and Air Force Academy staff who attended, and went home to empty the kleenex wads out of the purse. All in all, a great day.