Mountain climber

I know some people have been asking about this so I decided to post some pictures of Gary's recent adventures on top of some mountains.

He says he's having fun making it to the summits of Mount Massive and Mount Elbert, both in Colorado; Mount Whitney in California; and Mount Rainier in Washington. And he's still hiking the Appalachian Trail in sections.

But all of that has been just a prelude to his next climb. He and Julie are heading to Africa next week, and while Julie is on safari with her Dad, Gary will be climbing Kilimanjaro. More pictures to come.

Oh, and while they're in Africa, I'll be in Europe on a three-country tour of Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey. I'll try to go to the Asia side of Istanbul so I can say I've been in three continents. I'll post pictures after that, as well.

So, if anyone has any big trips or big news - or even little trips or little news - send me a note. It's fun to keep up with everything.

2011 Bill Neal Art Award

Photographer Michelle Tricca was awarded the first Bill Neal award for public art. This story and video show that Bill's memory will live on, and he'll continue to touch the lives of not only his friends and family, but many people he never even met.

Bill Neal Art Award on Youtube

Naples news story about the award

Hi guys

I wanted to let everyone know that Tracy graduated from the U.S. Air Force Office Training School last month. She now is a lieutenant, but she said you don't have to salute her or call her sir. Ma'am would work, though.

Also, here is a post from Facebook about a program that helps troops repay college loans.

The Leave No Veteran Behind organization was featured again in the media where a donor (Wal-Mart!) paid the educational debt of a servicemember (see video link). While I was away at OTS, I was chosen and enrolled in their program! Here's the link to my bio on their website: http://www.leavenoveteranbehind.org/index.php?option=com_mtree&task=viewlink&link_id=150&Itemid=60

Also, if anyone has any news, please let me know.

Vote now

OK, I know it's been awhile since I posted anything. And I know lots of great stuff has been happening with all of us lately. That makes me slack. I would say that I'll try to do better, but unless I follow through, that's just big talk.

I received an email this morning, and I wanted to make sure everyone had a chance to help out.

Hello,

Few honors hold the same esteem as the respected RAMMY awards for the DC metropolitan area restaurant industry. What started in 2004 with a few celebrated categories has grown to be one of the industry’s annual highlights, with 15 award categories-- 4 of which will be chosen by the public.

From Thursday, April 28 through May 11, 2011, the public will decide the following awards: Best Neighborhood Gathering Place, Voter’s Favorite Restaurant, Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene and Power Spot of the Year.

Ted’s BULLETIN is honored to have received a nomination for Best Neighborhood Gathering Place and is truly doubly excited for this opportunity to bring a RAMMY home to the Hill!

The public can go online at www.ramw.org or simply pick up a Washington City Paper to cast their vote.

Thanks so much for your support!

I voted. It only takes a minute.

Anyone with big news, let me know.

Sad news

I wanted to get some good news up about golfing in Florida, visiting Disney World and other family news.

But tonight, I have some sad news to report.

Connie's son, Keith, died last week. Living up to its name as the "silent killer," pancreatic cancer took him at 38. There was no indication that he was even sick until a couple of days before he died.

Mom and I went to the service in Lafayette, Ind. It was a mixture of sadness, fond memories and a little humor sprinkled in. One of Keith's friends read a poem; a couple of Connie's friends spoke; and Connie talked about her boy with the big heart.

But what teared me up the most was when she talked about coming home the day Keith died. They were locking up the house, turning off all the lights and getting ready to go upstairs for bed when Neal went behind her and turned on all the outside lights.

"What are you doing?" Connie asked.

"I want to make sure Keith can find his way home," Neal said.

If you have their e-mail, phone number or address, they could probably use a little comfort. Or leave a message here for them. And maybe a prayer or two would be good. I know I've been praying for God to ease their pain.

Here are a couple of links to the obituary - one in the Chattanooga paper where Keith grew up and the other in the Lafayette paper.