Meeting the Edgars

Today was the first day of our trip to Florida and it happened to coincide with the first gathering of Project McNamara.  The guests at the Ann and Dale Johnson farm included the Edgars, Everharts, Amber Carberry, Nancy Hengesteg, Tanna Moretz, Jan Mielke, and Art Kuennen.

During this time the photos were shared and the story laid out more fully, the conversation uncovering a variety of notes.  I took along the photos that were later added to the NK62 blog when we arrived in Florida.

The emotions of the day included meeting the son of a Marine killed in Viet Nam, his family, and our hosts the Johnsons.  The moment to remember was the moment when I touched the Purple Heart.

This was a once-in-a-lifetime event.  Shane, Kim, then Amber Carberry.  Shane, whose father died in Nam, was having so much info thrown at him that it had to be overwhelming.  I took h is photo with the Purple Heart, so impressive because the name Donald McNamara is on the back.  I said, "That's an expensive metal."  He said, "I know."  After I snapped the photo he gave me a bear hug, and we both teared up.

It was an emotional, celebratory day.  Donald McNamara was in the room.

Marv - what a fine fellow.
Ann - the straw that stirs the drink
Shane - a favorite son
Nancy - knows the truth
Art - "Whatever else I had to do today was not important."
Amber - tried to smother Shane, her cousin.

from left: Ann, Dale, Lonna, Lee, Kim, Shane, Marv, Shirley

A room full of strangers who bonded deeply.

The photo at left was taken in May after we returned from Florida, but includes the principals from the story.