Kiss Country Salutes PFC Larry Patterson, Sr. – Our Service Member of the Week

Our Kiss Country Salute this week comes from Darlene Patterson-Thacker.  Darlene recently told us about her husband, Beau Thacker, but said she wasn't thinking at the time, that Beau wasn't actually the first soldier in her life.  So, this week she's told us about that first soldier.  Daddy, Pvt. 1st Class, Larry G. Patterson, Sr.

Daddy is my first Soldier...my first Hero. He joined during the draft of Vietnam and served one tour. Daddy is a quiet, hardworking man, who raised 4 kids and has always provided not only financially, but emotionally for his family. He's our rock. I remember from my childhood, a dark green, huge plane flying over and Daddy standing with his eyes to the clouds. I asked what kind of plane it was, and Daddy replied, "That's Uncle Sam." I thought, Wow!! We have an Uncle Sam and he has a plane!?!? I'll never forget the look of pride on his face. Now, that same pride is evident when I stand and say, I'm a PROUD daughter of a Vietnam Veteran. Thank you, Daddy, for your service to our country, for loving us and being a wonderful daddy. Your wife, kids and grandkids are VERY proud of you.