Columbus AFB Reunion

When we were visiting the Bouck's over the Christmas holiday we were invited to friends for an Open House.  Upon arriving we encountered a wonderful surprise - friends of the kids were there that they had served with during their Air Force days.  These three couples became friends while there and had not seen each other for several years.  Now three of their sons have either trained there or are going to train to be pilots at the same AFB where each father served.  What a fun reunion!

Christmas 2014 in Tennessee

This Christmas we were with family in Tennessee.  

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Christmas tree in Iowa

Christmas Eve PJ Night  Boucks & Grandpa & Grandma

David Luiken Family

Christmas morning breakfast

Waiting to open Christmas gifts

Finished

Peter and Libble

Bouck Kids

Bouck with Grandpa & Grandma Luiken

Story County Freedom Flight 2014 - October 7, 2014

The 2014 Honor Flight is appropriately named as all Veterans included felt truly "honored" and esteemed.  A packed 20 hour day handled with care, planning and near precision.  Flying to our Nation's Capital to view, reminisce, and honor the thousands of our "Comrades in Arms" who paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.

From the stately memorials of Washington, Lincoln and Jefferson to those erected in our lifetime which included the large WWII Memorial, the Korean Rice Paddie Enlarged Men Statues, the Vietnam Wall, the Navy and the newest Air Force Monument, we attempted to ingest all the symbolism, and grandeur of those amazing memorials.  So much to absorb and so little time, but our hearts and minds overflowed with "raw emotion" and "thankfulness" for the bravery, valor and sacrifice given by so many!  A day forever remembered with eternal gratitude for the many that contributed resources, time and talent to make this a special day of delight and true honor.  With my deepest appreciation.  Norm Luiken LCDR-USNR

Boarding the Plane to Washington, DC

Charter Flight to D.C.

Found a seat with previous known Vets

In 2 hrs we arrived in DC and loaded several buses

Ever present Washington Monument

First stop Arlington Cemetary

Changing of the Guard at Arlington

Followed by a wreath presentation

Next stop, WWII Memorial

In memory of the Iowa men who served in WWII

Korean War Memorial

Unto the newer Air Force Memorial

Norm at the Air Force Memorial

Norm with Navy Sailor

Navy Chaplain conducting services on the main deck

Norm by the Reflecting Pool

Iwo Jima

Group picture 148 Story Co Veterans at Iwo Jima

Jefferson Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

Washington Memorial Reflecting Pool

Our Tour Bus in Washington, DC

Welcome Home - American Flag on overpass on I35

Happy 16th Birthday, Sarah

On September 22nd we celebrated Sarah's 16th birthday by traveling to Texas to be with family.  On Saturday evening, Sept. 26 she entertained several of her friends for her 16th Birthday.  A fun evening was enjoyed by all in attendance.

Party Set Up

Mom and Emma

Our Birthday Girl

Happy 16th Birthday, Sarah

Kids playing games

Emma, Maggie and Sarah

Levi and Luiken

Emma Studying Hard

Thank You and Farewell Party for our Dutch Friends

Saturday evening we hosted a special "Thank You-Farewell" party for our special Dutch friends, Ed and Margreet vanOuwerkerk who will be moving back to their home country, Holland.  Many friends were here to say "Goodbye".

Setting up our yard for the party

More Set Up

Making room for our backyard party

Some of our guests

Guests enjoying the picnic

And the fellowship

Our special guests Ed and Margreet

Had to have a Dutch cake

Thank you for your friendship