Meet Rob & McKinley from Virginia

Meet Rob & McKinley from Virginia, also known as “the birthplace of a nation” as it was the site of the first permanent English settlement. Virginia is full of great adventure and history. It is home to Luray Caverns, Natural Stone Bridge, the Pentagon, Colonial Williamsburg, Arlington National Cemetery. It also boasts beautiful beaches, National Parks, and Museums. “Virginia is for Lovers” is the tourism slogan that has become a well-known part of American jargon. Rob & McKinley are in New York visiting family. McKinley was named after our nation’s 25th president, William McKinley. At 9 years old, she is wise beyond her years. She loves reading. Her favorite book right now is “The Kingdom of Narnia”. Her parents are divorced and she says that sometimes it is hard on her when friends say that “having divorced parents is bad.” McKinley loves both of her parents very much and says that just because her family may be different than others, it’s not a bad thing. While Betsy and McKinley chatted, they found many positives about living in two separate homes. She says that having two of every holiday is pretty awesome!

Rob, a true patriot, is a retired military veteran, having proudly served our country for 26 years! He served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia & Haiti. He began his military career with the Navy and eventually switched to the Army. Rob says being in the military was an amazing opportunity but it took him away from his home and his family far too much. Eventually, the distance and the things he had seen and experienced, impacted his relationships back home. He sacrificed a great deal to serve our country and provide for his family. He retired in 2014 to have a solid relationship with McKinley and to have a hand in raising her. He didn’t want to miss any of these precious moments. Although retired, he still works as a military contractor, preparing soldiers for front line battle.

Rob, we thank you for your sacrifices, for your valor, for the mentally heavy things you carry, for protecting us, and for defending our great nation. May God bless & keep you and all of our soldiers that have served and that are currently serving. This was a very special visit for us If you don’t know much about what our military soldiers endure on the long road home, please look into the work of Sebastian Junger. Junger has spent his life on the front lines as a war journalist. He is devoted to helping us understand the effects of war. If you would like more information, you can check out Sebastian’s TEDTalk here:

Sebastian Junger: https://www.ted.com/…/sebastian_junger_why_veterans…