11/11/2026
πΊπΈ Before I share a few memories of my own, I want to say thank you to the veterans and military families who have become such a big part of our R&R family.
So many of you have trusted us with your homes, recommended us to your friends, and supported us because of that shared connection through service. Youβve shared your stories with us, asked about ours, and made us feel like family. That means more to me than I can put into a post.
Bob Sandgren and his brother come to mind, along with so many others who have left an impression on us. Bob, you especially have made a lasting one. Those conversations and connections stay with us long after the work is finished.
Regardless of the branch, thereβs something special about meeting someone who understands a part of your life without needing the whole explanation. To every veteran customer who has welcomed us into their home and supported this veteran-owned business: thank you. For your trust, your friendship, and the love youβve shown our crew. I hope you know how much love and respect we have for you, too.
Looking through these pictures today brought all of that home for me.
Different countries. Familiar faces. Hard days and plenty of ridiculous moments that still make me laugh. People I never would have met otherwise who became some of the most important people in my life.
Some of these pictures probably just look like us goofing off. But I remember how much those moments mattered. Having someone who could make you laugh when you were worn down. Someone who understood why you were quiet. Someone you trusted and knew you could count on.
You spend so much time looking forward to coming home. Then years later, you look at a picture and wish you could have a few more minutes with the people in it. Hear their voices, tell those stories again, and see where life has taken everyone.
Then thereβs that little jar my wife made me, filled with notes for when I missed her and needed a smile.
That little jar meant so much to me. Someone I loved had taken the time to write those words so I could have a piece of her with me when we couldnβt be together. On a hard day, something that small could make all the difference.
To the spouses, children, parents, and families who waited, worried, held things together, and kept reminding us we were lovedβthank you. I know you had hard days, too. Your sacrifices deserve to be seen, and the love you sent reached further than you probably knew.
There are also friends I wish I could call today. A good friend I served with is no longer here, and losing him after we came home is something that still weighs heavy on my heart. I couldnβt share these memories without making room for him and the others we miss. Iβm grateful I got to know him, and I wish weβd had more time.
To their families and everyone looking at pictures today wishing someone was still here beside them, Iβm thinking of you with love.
Closer to home, I want to recognize Robert, our newest member to our team, my Uncle Jeff who handles our backflow testing, and the veterans throughout my family. Iβm proud of your service and grateful to have you in my life. And to Alexβs daughter, beginning her own military journeyβweβre all so proud of you and cheering you on.
To everyone I had the privilege of serving beside: thank you for the friendship, the laughs, and for helping me through days Iβll never forget. Wherever life has taken us, youβll always mean something to me.
And to our veteran customers, thank you for giving us the opportunity to keep building those connections right here at home. Itβs an honor to work for you, get to know your families, and call so many of you our friends.
Happy Veterans Day, with love and gratitude from my family and all of us at R&R Plumbing and Remodeling. πΊπΈ
βAnthony