I come from a military family and the oldest of a patchwork family of seven kids. My maternal great-grandfather fought in World War I. My paternal grandfather, maternal great-uncle, and maternal grandfather all fought in World War II. My father and paternal uncle fought many tours in Vietnam and made a career out of the military. My oldest son is just completing Basic at Fort Sill. The one family member that strikes the most sensitive chord with me is my brother, Private First Class David Walter Kramer, KIA February 27, 1991, in Saudi Arabia in Operation Desert Storm at the age of 20 years old. My constant companion and best friend made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
