The Master Sergeant, Ret.

Last Veteran's Day, November 2007, the Mapleton Junior High School held a special assembly featuring National Guard members from their school. After having the teachers speak about their experiences, one teacher was surprised! Sgt. Powell was retiring on November 30th (due to age). Adjutant General Jeffrey Burton and Ann Peay, wife of Retired Brigadier General Philip O. Peay, presented "Mr. Powell" with a United States flag (which had flown of the US Capitol) and a plaque: "Students and Faculty of Mapleton Jr. High recognizes Master Sargeant Martin Powell for 30 years of dedication and service to our country and community" (28 years in the National Guard and two years service during the Vietnam War). It was a well deserved honor!

One way to get in shape!

Last August, for my birthday, I found out I was in the very early stages of Type 2 Diabetes. I took a 3-night crash course, and was given a basic diet program to follow. In four months I lost 60 pounds, and am feeling great -- except, now I have begun feeling cold again (after 20 years of never feeling cold). It has meant an entire new wardrobe, which was fun for a born shopper. A little hard on the budget, though. This was taken at a party with my siblings and their spouses in April -- I look a bit thinner, hunh?

Welcome to our blog!

After viewing several blog spots, we decided to try one of our own! This is a family picture from August 2006. We've changed a bit -- we'll have to get an updated photo in the near future.