My Veteran Heros

Of course I am going to start with my wonderful husband Lani.  He served in the military for 16 years, and fought in the first gulf war.  In the picture above he had just performed in Hawaii in an elite performance troupe, which he had to audition for.  After this performance he went to the Kennedy Center, where the troupe performed for President Reagan.  Lani sang, "God Bless the U.S.A.," and he actually brought tears to President Reagans eyes. 

 Below is Lani getting the Soldier of Month award.   The plaque is below this picture.  He won this for his performance, and it was in competition of the whole Army.                   

Here is Lani now, smiling last week as he was preparing to go out on his Thursday night visits to the ward members. He is an amazing person, with a variety of talents, and a deep love for his Savior, Family, and Country.

Below is Lani singing in Vegas during the Dec 7th,D Day Celebration a couple years ago.

Here is Jimmy Wong, Lani's son, named after his Grandfather.  He served in the Marines as a medic, and was one of the first who entered Iraq in Desert Storm.  He was in Afganastan before that.  We are so blessed to have him in our family.  He is now married to the beautiful Danielle, they have three children and another on the way.  He served well, and he looks a lot like his Dad did when he was that age.

My Dad, Oris Ed Alsbrooks, most called him Eddie.. He was in the Army in World War II, where he recieved two purple hearts.  Below is a picture of him with his brother, Junior (Wiliam Allen Alsbrooks Jr.).  Junior was just a year older than my Dad, and they were very close, so they both joined the Army.  They were lucky and both came back from World War II alive.  Their cousin, Barney Alsbrooks, was not so lucky.  Barney died in action in Germany, and he was Uncle Edgar and Aunt Maggie's only child.  So so sad, he gave his ALL.. The one picture of my Dad in a robe is at the Army hosptial, if you look closely you can see the bandages on his hands from being blown out of the tank.  He had many disabilities due to the war, but he lived a full and happy life.  As did Uncle Junior..My Dad in his uniform with his Mother, Mary Alsbrooks.

This is Lani's Dad, James K Wong.  He served in Korea, although I don't have a picture of him in his uniform.  This is the only picture I have of him.  Not a lot is known about his service in Korea, but he did serve and did fight in a war.  Doesn't he look like Charles Bronson???

Now my Uncle Wayne, my mother's brother.  This is Wayne on his way to join the Navy, it was taken between Mesa and Superior in Arizona.  Then next picture is him in his uniform.  He also fought in World War II, in fact he was shot at Pearl Harbor, they shot his big toe off.  But he survived and continued to fight in the Pacific.  When he was at Pearl Harbor, the Japanese sunk the boat he was on, so he swam to another boat, and they then sunk it, so he swam to shore and as he was running for cover is when his toe was shot off.  He was lucky, he lost friends in that attack. 

This is Uncle Jack, my Mom's youngest brother, he was also in the Navy and fought in Korea.  He is still living today in Arizona.  The picture below is a picture of Uncle Wayne and Uncle Jack as children, and maybe they joined the Navy, as they were dressed for it.... I guess my Grandmother like to dress them in Navy suits... Isn't Uncle Jack so cute???  I love this picture of brothers.

Below is Lani's brother and his beautiful wife Tracy.  They both served in the Air Force, and were stationed in Guam.  They both retired after fully serving with honor.  They are now living in Arizona, and we miss them.

Other members of my family who served, and I don't have pictures of, are my cousins: Leonard Merrill, over 25 years in the Army with two years served in Viet Nam, Dewayne Horton retired as a MP in the Air Force, Don Alsbrooks, Air Force Retired after 30 years: and Colonel Major William Allen Carlton, retired after over 30 Years and a tour in Viet Nam. I know I have missed some, and to all who serve I appreciate your sevice, your dedication, and all you gave for our Freedoms!!!