My Uncle Bob was one of the most influential forces in my entire life. He guided me in faith, in family and in believing in myself. He was always there for me. Always.
When I first went into the Air Force Academy, I was anxious and nervous. Uncle Bob had talked to me in advance for many hours -- we watched documentaries together and he shared stories with me about his own Air Force experience. He was there.
After I got through Basic Cadet Training (and finally got my phone back), Uncle Bob sent me daily messages of encouragement. He hand wrote letters that I will cherish forever. He sent messages of current news events (that I couldn't access) so I would always be prepared when I was expected every morning to deliver a headline -- or else I'd have to drop and give them 50.
Uncle Bob was a constant in every milestone in my life: reading books to me when I was small; writing stories for me about Grizelda and the "Magic Pub"; countless OU football games; attending my own youth football games and band competitions and my high school graduation. The last time I saw Uncle Bob was at Parent's Weekend in September at the US Air Force Academy. He was so happy. He was so proud. He walked right up to my AOC (Air Officer Commanding) and introduced himself. He asked how his nephew was doing at the Academy. That was Uncle Bob.
Today, Dec. 27th, was the day Uncle Bob was supposed to fly here to stay with us the week with us after Christmas. We have it on our calendars. If you know Bob, the fact that he was going to travel to the frozen tundra of Iowa to see us really meant that he loved us.
