Brent is returning home tomorrow after a year deployment in Iraq. We are very excited and relieved that he returned safely and I'm sure that he looks forward to being with his family again. On this Memorial Day our thoughts turn to all those who work to keep us free. We owe much to all who have fought and served on our behalf.
Captain Paul Carey Scholarship
It was 12 years ago today that my brother Paul passed away when the C-21 he was flying developed a mechanical problem and ultimately crashed in a wooded area in Alexandar City, Alabama. Paul was serving as a captain in the United States Air Force and become certified flying the T-38, C-130, and C-21.
One of the things that is still so vivid to me from those days after his death was the kindness that so many showed to us. From the company that I worked for that allowed me extended time off to The Flower Cart in Alexander City who provided a flower arrangement free that we arranged to have left at the crash site, there was kindness shown to us throughout.
We also had many who came to us and shared acts of kindness that Paul had shown to them. I remember a member of the church that Paul and Michelle attended told us that when Paul found out that the Scouts needed some equipment, Paul went down to the store about bought several lanterns and donated them to the Scouts. We heard several such stories.
In memory of Paul and his life and example, our family has chosen to do two special things that occur each year. The first is to decorate a tree for the Festival of Trees in Utah which provides money to Primary Children's Hospital for those children who need medical help but are unable to pay. We have decorated trees for a number of years (it is usually in the C-21 space if you visit the Festival).
The second way was the establishment of the Captain Paul Carey Memorial Scholarship at BYU. Each year many of our family visits the Winter Air Force ROTC award assembly at BYU and announces the recipient of the scholarship for the coming year. This year that award went to Cadet Andrew Washer. Congratulations!
Jill serving a mission
Our niece Jill (Janice and Phil's daughter) leaves today to begin service as a missionary in the Korea Seoul West Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She will spend about 12 weeks in language training before heading to Korea. This is the same mission that Scott served in from 1979-1981 and Scott's brother Brent served in as well from 1982-1984. So that will be three from our family that have served in that mission. We wish Jill well and send our thoughts and prayers with her as she begins this service.
Mark finishes his Academy Project
One of Mark's desires this year was to earn an enhanced diploma by completion of the Lone Peak High School Academy Program. This required a research paper. a senior project, community service, and a presentation to a committee. Since Mark wants to go into sound recording, he decided to do a sound recording project. So he purchased a mixer that would connect to the computer, learned to use the accompanying software, and recorded 5 songs himself. They included Mark playing an electric guitar duet of "The Star Spangled Banner", singing a John Denver song to his guitar accompanient, a cello piece, and a song where Mark played the piano, cello, electric guitar, acoustic guitar and sang. Mark is one of about 30 in his graduating class to get this honor. He did a great job and is glad to have this done!
Paul Rapp Retires
Congratulations to Paul, Michelle's husband, on his retirement from his position of Chief of Police in Bountiful. He had a 26 year career in law enforcement. Thanks, Paul, for all you did. I know that Michelle said she has plenty of things for you to do now, so I don't think that it will be much of a rest!