Well said. I am glad to have all these documents that make his experience more personal to me than just a unit history. I kept a handwritten journal when I was in Iraq that shows a personal side of me although it was more of an operational history. Feelings and all that mushy stuff went into letters to my wife and kids. I was contemplating an electronic journal for this time, but I think the handwritten one is more personal. Plus I get to doodle.
I just shudder to think of all the history lost in that fire. Fortunately, my grandfather was meticulous about saving his records so we have a fairly complete record of what he did (at least administratively.) My dad has those, however, and I haven't got them to scan. When I was home in July I looked through them but my family kept me so busy I didn't get a chance to get through much of it. Next time, I suppose.
Great picture, by the way. I wish I could see what was on the medal she wore. There is a glare on it in the picture. She's obviously proud of it.