As many of you may know we’re a veteran owned company, I served in the United States Navy aboard the mightiest aircraft carrier known to man, the USS Saratoga CV-60. I was in the supply department aboard Sara and had the opportunity to work on the flight deck as part of the ship’s cargo handling team. I can’t say every moment was fun and games, but I can say I enjoyed most of that time, ate some great Navy chow, and am very proud of my service. My son has carried on the tradition of serving our country in the military as an Army Officer. We can actually trace our family’s service in the military back to the Revolutionary War (Thank you Ancestry.com). I did my part aboard the Sara during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. My son has earned a couple of Bronze Stars in both Iraq and Afghanistan respectively leading men & women in battle with both the 82nd Airborne Division out of Ft. Bragg, NC and the 25th Infantry’s 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) out of Ft Richardson, AK. Hopefully we’re moving into a time frame in our country’s history where we won’t have to send any of our men and women to other countries to fight, but at the same time respect those who choose to serve in the military in the event we do need to defend our nation.
One of the best parts of covering high school sports is being able to see young adults come home on leave from their respective branches of the military in uniform. Love seeing the pride and self confidence they’ve gained.
Another part of doing this we have come to enjoy is photographing Veteran’s Day events for the Leader. The past couple of days I’ve covered events in Arnold and Cedar Hill. Please enjoy the images from these events below & make sure to thank a veteran, not just today, but everyday!
God Bless,
Ron & Lisa Rigdon
A starboard side view of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) as the ship enters the turning basin at Naval Station Mayport upon completion of her final cruise, a six month deployment to the Mediterranean. The SARATOGA is scheduled to be decommissioned on August 20, 1994 after more than 38 years of service.
USS Saratoga CV-60 returns from Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm
CPT Mathew Rigdon & daughter Olivia upon his return from Afghanistan
CPT Mathew Rigdon and his father Ron Rigdon embrace upon Cpt. Rigdon’s return from Afghanistan
The Rigdon Family upon Cpt. Rigdon’s return from Afghanistan
Roy Wilde – Korean War Veteran
Cletus Harness – WWII Veteran
Big River VFW Honor Guard; Al Hudson, Jim Bamberg, Ken Eberhardt
Tom Herek – Big River VFW performs Taps
Veterans Dr Sign – Cedar Hill, Mo