I was blessed with two very adored uncles, siblings of my parents, who served our nation in the US Army and US Navy:

Garry Jolliff   (1944-2002)

Ronald Barmes   (1952-1987)

Uncle Gary, brother of my birth-father, Danny Jolliff, served in the Vietnam War. Uncle Garry was more of a surrogate father in my early years, and for this, a candle is always lit for him on Father’s Day. Thanks to Uncle Garry (and my Grandpa Leroy) I learned how to play baseball, went to my first Reds baseball game, spent fun weekends fishing, going to Kings Island or Indiana Beach, or just enjoying times spent around our hometown of Elwood, Indiana.  Sadly, the wounds he received paralyzed him before he was 30 years old.  His spirit remained strong until his death in June 2002.

Uncle Ron, brother of my mother, Diana Barmes Haas, served in the US Navy, and being twelve years older than me was more like an older brother.  Uncle Ron bought me my first piece of sheet music, “Anchors, Aweigh,” which I promptly learned despite the fact it was a bit advanced for me at the time. To this day, any time I hear “Anchors, Aweigh” I tear up.  

I was blessed with two wonderfully loving men who inspired, taught, laughed (and Oh! could they ever laugh!), shared their time, and shined as a wonderful example of how to be an uncle.

Today, our nation celebrates their contributions as veterans who served their country.

Every day, I celebrate the fact I had these two men as my uncles.

May military bands of angels continue to sing Thee both to Thy rest, Uncle Garry and Uncle Ron.  Know you are loved…

Uncle Ron & Darin, 1965

Uncle Garry during Vietnam