This is a story about an Air Force Veteran and my family. Before I begin let me start by thanking our veterans. With veterans day approaching I would like to personally thank every single veteran that has served this great country in which we live. To the men and women who have defended this nations freedoms and to the brave souls who paid the ultimate price by giving their life for this country. I thank you. Freedom isn't free. We thank you for the sacrifices you and your families have made. My family is indebted to each and every one of you as long as we shall live. Thank you for being who you are. This country truly would not be what it is, if it were not for the brave men and women who stepped up to the challenge to make this the greatest country on earth. The United States Of America! That is because of you. Once more I Thank You.
My son Evan recently enlisted into the United States Navy. He is seven months in and currently deployed overseas aboard the USS Ronald Reagan. He is stationed in San Diego, Ca which is a long ways from home, Jackson, Ms. We have seen our son four times since his journey began in the Navy. Evan has two brothers, a little sister and loving parents who miss him dearly and wait for his return. Once his ship returns safely to San Diego he is getting to come home for Christmas. We are so excited knowing he will be back home for the holidays if only for a few days.
Let me start by saying I'm blessed to work in a family business with my wife and parents. When we received word that Evan was able to come home for Christmas my wife began searching the next day at work on the computer looking for airline tickets to get our son home. At the same time my mother was on the phone with an airline company doing the same.
United States Air Force Veteran Col. Flo Yoste is a customer of ours and walked into our shop. He knows the story of our son being in the Navy. My wife, mother, and Col. Yoste were talking about Evan's return home and the troubles they were having finding flights from San Diego to home over the Holiday's. He told my wife and mother that he was pretty sure he could get our son home for us. He got Evan's information and said he was going home and getting right on it. Col Yoste returned later that day. This time I was present. He brought my wife and I the confirmation number for Evan's flight home. Col Yoste used his own fly miles to get my son home. Wow! That is something that my wife and I will never forget. My family is thankful for the gift he has given us.
It warms my heart to know that my son is following in Col. Yoste's footsteps by serving his country. The generosity Col. Yoste has shown my family is a value I hope my son leaves the Navy with. At a time were we should be honoring him for being a veteran he is still serving his country. A retired Air Force Col. bringing home an active Navy Sailor. This is what makes our military the mightiest of all the land. Whether active or retired these men and women will always take care of their own. I'm so grateful for Col. Yoste and the gift he has given my family.
I want to end by saying thank you to USAF Col. Flo Yoste for his service to this country and his service in Vietnam. It is veterans like him that let me know that my son made the right decision by serving his country. With great men like him who have served and the men that serve today I know that my families freedoms will always be protected. I want to thank all of the veterans of days past and our present military for protecting our country. I will never forget the day that a veteran brought my son home for Christmas. Col. Flo Yoste my hero. Thank you again for the kindness and generosity you have given me.
Sincerely, EG
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What an awesome story and what a selfless act. Generosity and kindness still exist in our country, it just seems like we see it less and less. I know there are stories about the Marines not liking the Navy, Army gives the Air Force a bad time, etc. Yet, I believe these men and women would do all they could to protect one of their own, regardless of the branch. What a great gift you have received and the Lord will bless Col Yoste for the wonderful Christmas you'll be sharing with Evan. I am so happy for you, Cindy, Michael, Trey, Jessica, and Evan. God bless!
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