I grew up as an Air Force brat during Vietnam proud to wear a POW bracelet with the name of a friend of my father's. Showing it off one day to a new friend on the swim team I was humbled to find that she wore a bracelet with her father's name on it. Although my father never had to serve a tour overseas, I've always had an overwhelming appreciation for the sacrifices of those who do and the families who stay behind. I've been a sports writer and page designer/copy editor for most of my adult life, first at the Tulsa World, then at my hometown Nashua (NH) Telegraph and currently at the (Charleston, S.C.) Post and Courier.