Feliz Cumpleanos Eric Powers

(Eric's the skeptical lookin kid on the right)

My cousin Eric is only six months younger than yours truly, and growing up I always wished these guys were brothers. Fortunately, we logged in many hours of fun at Camp Grandma's House over the summer- most of it spent in the pool. He was always kind enough to let me be the ugliest GI Joe or the unwanted Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle too ;) 

Nowadays I'm fortunate that Eric and his lovely wife, Cat, live just a few minutes away. We still don't see them as often as I'd like but I'm grateful they are close for the time being (Eric has re-enlisted so there's a chance they will soon relocate to London, Japan or Florida.) He's served in Iraq and Afghanistan and I for one think he's quite an inspiration. Happy 26th!