Today would have been my father's 85th birthday. He had his final flight (a term often used when pilots pass) last month, 18 April 2015. He was a Veteran of the Vietnam war and was a pilot in the Air Force earning Several Air Medals and a Distinguished Flying Cross. The upright shells in the background of the pens are from his 21 gun salute. The pens represent the 21 gun salute ceremony. I retire next year after 33 years in the Air Force and Air National Guard. It is indeed an honor and privilege I learned from my Father.