June - Letter from the Publisher!

No question about it, summer is here and it is hot. We might get lucky with one or two more “cooler” days before the true dog days are here, but for the most part, we can look forward to sun block and sweat beaded arms when spending time outside. June not only brings the joys of summer, but it also brings Father’s Day. Go ahead and set aside a little extra time for Dad and let him know that you appreciate all that he does.

These summer months can also bring an array of personal and family plans. Travel, vacation, school, or even a new house! If you are contemplating making a move, be sure to check out Sherry Perry’s Home Sweet Home, it will prove to be a useful guide. The warm weather also means more time spent at area pools, waterparks, lakes, rivers, and oceans. That means bathing suit weather, and if you are like me, you might want to shape up a little before hitting the scene. It is funny to think that “bathing suit time” is what we think of when looking for motivation to get into shape. In reality, we should be thinking about all the benefits of living a more healthy lifestyle.

Dave Marethouse points out some simple yet very important factors of healthy living. With the 4th of July right around the corner, why not brush off those vocal chords by singing patriotic songs in preparation for next month’s celebrations. These tunes are always fun to sing, and you can take it a step further by learning the history behind some of the songs! In this issue of AYC, Mr. Sterling Allen has shared with us a wonderful look at some of our Nation’s favorite songs and how they came to be!

Over the last few months, we have been receiving inquiries about incorporating our US Troops somehow in AYC. We think that this is a great idea and one that is close to our heart as we have a brother that recently returned from Iraq. We are definitely not alone, there are numerous families in the College Station and Brazos Valley area that have family and friends currently serving, or recently serving in our military forces. Father’s Day provided us a wonderful and unique platform for this effort. Our cover photograph, as well as our feature photograph this month are of Alex Tran and his family. Captain Tran recently returned home to the Brazos Valley after a 12 month deployment to Afghanistan. A loving husband and father of three, Captain Tran has spent 13 years in the Army, including a 12 month tour in Iraq in addition to his service in Afghanistan. We were lucky to capture some of the elated emotion upon his arrival, the experience was one of a kind, and we are honored to share it with you. If you have not had a chance to welcome the Troops home at an airport, I strongly encourage you to do so – whatever your views on the war may be. As a father and a husband, I can only imagine the feeling of holding your little girl, hugging your son, and kissing your wife after traveling half a world for serving our wonderful Country. Our hats are off for you Captain Tran, and Thank you.

Thank you so much for reading, please visit some of our great supporters you see in our pages, spend quality family time and soak up some summer sun!