Tribute To Service Persons
This is a tribute to those brave men and women who make it possible for us to wake up every day in the greatest country in the world, with the opportunity to be the best WE can be. It is not only the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers but that of their family members, that not only inspires me, but allows me to be pursuing my dreams today.
AMERICAN FLAG
Old Glory waving in the wind at sunrise of 11-11-11Veterans Day, November 11, 2011Patriotic song by Michael W SmithGod Bless Our Troops
not serve in the military, as did my father, Father in law, and grandfather, I have been using my creative abilities to serve in other areas. As a chef I have the opportunity daily to serve. I serve by developing talent and imparting a positive influence on my team. I serve my clients with distinction. Focusing on satisfying their needs, not just with food preferences but adjusting service styles to either accommodate the need for speed, privacy, or a more relaxed setting. In each case exceeding expectations of our guests.
Within our communities, we are all aware of the United States Army, Navy Air force, Marines, and National Guard, but seldom recall the Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, Police, Fire and Emergency personnel that put themselves at risk daily as well. In many communities around the nation, the firehouses are manned by volunteers.
The Patriarchs of my Family
Memories of the Past, Lessons for My Future
One of the most important things I've learned from the Patriarchs in my family is the true meaning of service. Though I did
There are many types of service: Accommodating clients or working non-profit because you believe in the mission, to name a few. Bridging generations is the only way to keep the spirit of service alive. My grandfather Walter Cullen, started his service in the United States Navy. He then set his sights on his greatest achievement in service- his family. He married and raised three biological and two foster children.
In addition to his dedication to his family, his faith was strong. It was the commitment to his faith that called him to dedicate his time with a community group who did great work down in Haiti. After retiring, my grandfather worked part time for the Greater Lynn Senior Services delivering meals to the elderly and shut in. While he was working there he notice there were a lot of elderly alcoholics with no access to programs to assist them with their disease. For him to get his program implemented he needed to return to school. He graduated from school, founded the program still being used today.
Charles W Baker III, my father, served in the United States Air force, establishing and running a dispensary in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Arriving back home he continued working as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. During his career, along with having someone's life in his hands, he was routinely called upon to teach new anesthesia residents the ropes.
My fathers' service, though, started back at the age of nine as he worked to help provide for his mother and sister. He worked delivering newspapers, oil, and other jobs to put both his sister and his self through nursing school. He has always worked as hard as needed to get results, for himself and others. He sacrificed to put my brothers, sister and I through parochial school. He felt it was important that we had a secure base. He kept us busy with sports and chores worked into our daily routine . This taught us the importance of hard work, time management, organization and teamwork, ensuring good roots to branch out from. Building on these core values, I have been able to define myself, my style of cooking and leadership.