Sunday, July 19, 2009

Day 416 - Jul 19, 2009

As I mentioned yesterday - today was the anniversary of the date that Kevin left for Basic Training. Such a weird coincidence, huh?

And y'all know that Kevin's Purple Heart Ceremony was today. I was just so proud of him. He did so incredibly well at the ceremony and when it was all over he stood there and met all of the people that came down to talk to us. Hundreds of people. They were all surrounding us and to be honest - Kevin really enjoyed it. It just amazes me how well he did with everyone! It was just so nice seeing him remember people he hasn't seen in so long and he was very courteous to those he had never met before.

After the ceremony, we went to a private dinner that the Legion held for us. 130 of our friends and family joined us - sorta. I could tell that Kevin was over-stimulated after we left the field so he and I took a car ride for some down time. At that point, dinner was already a half hour later than it should have been, so we went back to the Legion, but Kevin didn't want to go in. I left him in the car long enough to go in and talk to each of the tables and explain that Kevin had just had enough and that we were going to go home. Everybody ate and by the time I finished saying hello/goodbye to everyone, Kevin decided he was feeling better and he finally came in the door.

He had a blast and so did I. It was so wonderful to see all of the people that were invited and you couldn't have asked for a more elegant and wonderful dinner than what the Legion served. They completely outdid themselves and I thank them from the bottom of my heart!

I also do want to thank Tracy for putting this whole thing together. It would have never happened if it hadn't been for her just taking the bull by the horns and doing it.

I also want to thank Bruce for being the Master of Ceremonies and Captain Turner (with the help of Rigney) for presenting the medal.

And I realize that there are so many more that I need to thank, but I will do it privately.

I have to be honest and tell you that I am just too tired to post any photos so I will get to them tomorrow night.

In the interim though, be sure to check out the article from http://www.post-gazette.com/. There is also video with a whole bunch more photos. I am anxious to read what they have to say tomorrow too.

I also know that Kevin was featured on many different local news channels, here is what I have found so far:

KDKA News - video on right.

WPXI - Channel 11

And now this lady is hitting the hay! I am just so exhausted...

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

It was great to see you and Kevin on WPXI 11:00 news tonight - they had a fairly long segment. And it was a real thrill to hear him say "Thanks" at the end - he's come a long way!

Anonymous said...

http://kdka.com/local/Kevin.Kammerdiener.purple.2.1092531.html

Anonymous said...

i wish i could of attended. it sounds like it was wonderful. i cant wait to see the pictures.
~monica g

Anonymous said...

Leslie,
I loved watching the videos you posted. You both look great and Kevin seemed like he did so well.
Janet

Anonymous said...

Congradulations to you Kevin...You did so well and again thank you for all you have sacrificed for us...Leslie, thank you and Breezy also for your sacrifice..You may at times think it goes unnoticed by many, but for those of us who understand what all of you have done for all of us and our country, WE THANK YOU ALL...God Bless you all....

Anonymous said...

YAyyyy Kevin!!!!

That was a beautiful ceremony..There was not a dry eye on the hill! We are so proud of you and are a true inspiration to everyone.. Hope to see you again before you leave...
AJ

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for sharing all of the video and the pictures on the sites! :) It was so good to see you, Breezy, and Kevin! I've watched the videos several times and I keep finding more pictures on the sites you listed. I like the one where Kevin is putting the corsages on both of you too! I'm so glad we were able to watch him get his purple heart! I'm so proud of you guys! All of you look great and I'm so glad Kevin was having a good time.
Hugs to you!
Kathy in IA

CherylB said...

Kevin, we can't THANK YOU enough for you service and sacrifice. Leslie, reading the journey that all of you have been through and watching the video just makes me cry...just thinking about everything you all have been through. What a great moment for Kevin! I remember reading about you getting Kevin's Purple Heart in a box, and you said no you didn't want it...you wanted Kevin to receive it properly. I do agree it's too bad he has to go thru what he does to receive this. Again, Kevin THANK YOU!

Jim said...

Mrs. Kammerdiener,
I would like to thank you for alowing me the privalidge and honor of standing the flag line for Kevin at his Purple Heart ceremony yesterday. You and he and Breezy will allways be in my prayers.
Jim, Patriot Guard Rider

Anonymous said...

Hi, Leslie. I went to KCHS with Kevin. Although I didn't know him well, I would like to thank him for his service to our country. He has sacrificed so much, and I am so happy to see the progress he has made! I attended the Purple Heart ceremony yesterday, and it was so touching to see Kevin being honored. Our community is proud to have such a hero!

joyce said...

Yay !!! Kevin!!! That is great. And his lips look fantastic! Wonderful pictures and videos. Thank you !

Anonymous said...

The ceremony left me tearful, respectful and absolutely grateful...

I cannot express my thanks to everyone involved!!! What a great undertaking!!! It turned out beautiful and monumental!!!! Kevin made it especially special. He was very strong!!!

You, Les, guide him every single day...what an undertaking...and, at the same time, what a special gift you have!!! I do not have that type of caring and forever effort...

You do so very much each and every single day. Your leadership and daily caring absolutely astound me!!!

Kevin found the true honor he deserved on Sunday...So many people came to give him their support...So special...and so inspirational.

Know I love you, Kevin and Breezy...

You are never far from my thoughts and prayers.

Kristen M.

Jessica said...

Wow! This post was an answer to my prayers that Kevin would do well during his ceremony. Watching him interacting with people just made me smile and choke up a little. I'm so proud of him and all he has accomplished to this point. I know it took a lot of effort on his part to deal with all the stimulation.

Can't wait to see more pictures and videos. I'll be thinking of you and praying. Take care and God bless!

Vicki Chrisman said...

Off to check out the links!
What a fantastic day for you and Kevin!
Congratulations to you Kevin!
This country is so lucky to have you!