Today is Veteran’s Day. November 11th was when the peace treaty that ended World War I was signed. No matter what day of the week November 11th falls on, it is the day that our country stops to honor those who have sacrificed for our freedoms. As a result, I had the day off work. Stores held special sales for veterans and restaurants offered free meals to those who have and are serving in the military.
Veteran’s Day probably wasn’t too much different for TJ. There are no Applebee’s on base for him to go to for a free meal. But that is okay with him. You see, TJ has been declaring his own “holiday”. A little more than a week ago he called to tell me it had been “Super HUA Day.” I asked him what that was and he explained that he had proclaimed the day as “Super HUA Day” and went to work in FULL gear. For TJ this is his way of having a holiday when he feels it is needed. It is also his way of having some fun and wearing all of his gear even though it is not required.
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| TJ's picture of "Super HUA Day" |
On Wednesday we received an email from TJ with a picture attached. He was having another “Super HUA Day,” as well as a little bit of fun. I laughed when I saw it. In my mind I could hear him goofing around as he imitated somebody who’d had too much “HOOAH!” I know he was simply having some fun, and probably bringing laughter to those around him.
Although TJ has fun proclaiming “Super HUA Day” I think that deep down inside it is his unique way of recommitting himself to the values he swore to uphold when he took his oath of service; “Integrity first, Service before self, and Excellence in all we do.” TJ takes that oath very seriously and strives to live out those values everyday when he puts on his uniform. “HUA” simply means he has heard, understood, and acknowledged those values.
Today has been one of a few USA holidays to remind us of our freedom, those who fought for it, and the tremendous sacrifice our military men and women have made and continue to make for that freedom. TJ is thankful for such holidays. But the one that means the most to him is his own “Super HUA Day.” He will celebrate it as often as he needs to in order to remind and encourage himself to continue serving with integrity, selflessness, and excellence. TJ never wants to give his second best and he never wants to forget for whom he is serving: He serves for each and every one of us!
So, TJ, Super HUA Day to you! May it be a great one!
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