ODESSA, Fla.-- After 22 years in the Army, Lt. Col David Smith really appreciates the chance to eat lunch with his daughter.
“I missed a lot for my son. I was only able to go to a few of these.”
Now he’s stationed at MacDill, but that doesn't mean he won’t be sent to trouble spots around the world again.
“When I relate it to, the kids can’t play soccer like they want to or they are afraid in their homes at night. It helps them to understand that we have a good life. And we don’t have to worry about a lot of those things.”
Odessa Elementary in Pasco County honored veterans from different generations.
Parents and Grandparents were smiling.
“It’s nice to see all this. Back in my day you didn't see it,” said Vietnam veteran Frank Hamilton.
Hamilton is enjoying his lunch with granddaughter Willow.
“Did they teach you about this? What the Veterans do for you? How they protect us and keep us safe. Give us our freedom. That’s why you get to eat chocolate,” he said to Willow.
Both of Jordan’s parents are veterans, although his father died five years ago.
“He always asks about what it was like to be in the military and be on a ship. I tell him that it was amazing. It was awesome. It was a great experience,” said his mother Nicole Zuke.
These kids come to the cafeteria all time.
But this meal is special.
These family members are special.
And this is there day.
