Tony is laid to rest at Arlington

We just got back from Virginia 3 nights ago. Being back home has been a lot more difficult than either of us had anticipated. In Virginia we were surrounded by family and friends - which really helped us through this difficult time, but now that we're back home it's more quiet and less busy - and that means there's more time to think. Ugh. Every morning I wake up - I keep hoping it was all just a horrible nightmare, but it wasn't. The only thing that provides us any comfort is in knowing that God is in control and that we'll see Tony again one day.



Jason, James and Michael honoring their brother during the viewing


We've always considered ourselves patriotic, but since Tony's passing - I think we now have a renewed sense of patriotism. We're so proud of what Tony was doing to keep our country safe and we're so grateful to him for his sacrifice. He truly was an American hero.

On April 18th, we had a beautiful memorial service for Tony at church. Upon entering the church, there were 20 Patriot Guard Riders holding American flags and an EOD flag. So many people came. It was amazing to see how many lives Tony had touched in some way. 1/3 of the church was comprised of Tony's EOD brethren and friends, the other 1/3 was made up of family and the final 1/3 was made up of church family. We had praise and worship, Michael assisted James in performing a song that James had written for Tony, we watched the beautiful slide show of Tony that Jason had made for the service and Jason gave an amazing eulogy. He had James and Michael stand up front with him for support. When he was finished speaking, he and his 2 brothers walked down from the stage - but before going back to their seats, the three of them stopped in front of Tony's casket and saluted it. At the end of the service (after the Pastor's message), Jason and his 4 younger brothers - James, Mike, Joe and Jake - along with one of their cousins Paul, brother-in-law Nate and Tony's longtime friend and EOD brother Frankie carried Tony's casket out to the hearse.







Jason's slide show for Tony's memorial service




Pall bearers: Frankie, Jacob, James, Michael, Paul, Nate, Joe and Jason


From there, we headed up to Arlington. There were Patriot Guard Riders riding ahead of the hearse - and the entire motorcade was escorted all the way from Fredericksburg, VA all the way to Arlington (a 60 mile drive). The entire freeway was completely blocked off and empty from the beginning of the drive until we reached Arlington. It was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen! The length of the motorcade (starting with the police car out in front to the last car in the very back - single file) was 3 miles long!! We heard later on - that traffic was backed up behind us all the way to King's Dominion (which is about 30 miles south of where we started out)! A police car or motorcycle was stopping traffic coming onto the freeway at every on ramp - and they all saluted as the hearse drove past them. If any of you have ever lived in the D.C. area - you know the freeway is always very crowded and NEVER empty!























The Air Force Honor Guard waiting to give the 21 gun salute


Praying


Angie receiving her flag


Mom Capra receiving her flag


Tony and Angie's firstborn receiving a flag


Jason receiving a flag






Jason and Michael


The entire service at Arlington made me well up with pride. I'm not only extremely proud of Tony, but I'm also very proud of all of our men and women in uniform - for their commitment, bravery and sacrifice.

That night and the night afterwards we had family and friends over to celebrate Tony's life. Here is a video clip of one of our cousins, Becky, who sang the National Anthem (after we all begged her to do it). There wasn't a dry eye in the room.



We're really going to miss Tony. People probably think I'm exaggerating when I say that Tony used to call Jason and I each 5 times a day - but it's true! I'm so glad that he did. It's almost as though he was unknowingly making up for time we were going to miss spending with him in the future. He will be greatly missed. He was an amazing brother and friend.

Link to Arlington National Cemetery Release Information:
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/alcapra.htm

TSgt Tony Capra 1977-2008

Few people are willing to put their lives on the line in order to protect the freedom our great country affords its citizens. Tony Capra was one of those few. He made the decision to wear the Air Force uniform 11 years ago when he enlisted in the Air Force with his younger brother Jason.

Tony was an Explosive Ordinance Disposal Operator in the U.S. Air Force. For the past 11 years, he dedicated his life to protecting our freedom - something many Americans so often take for granted. In the end, he made the ultimate sacrifice by giving his life for his country. He was a hardworking Airman, loving husband and dad, blessed son, caring grandson and nephew and he was the best brother we could have ever asked for.

He had an unwavering sense of duty to his country and he was very aware of the risks involved in his line of work with EOD, but he chose it anyway. As his family grew in size there were times when he considered changing career fields within the Air Force - but he could never bring himself to do it because he loved his job so much. He was highly decorated and even awarded the Bronze Star following his first deployment to Iraq.

He was in Iraq for his second deployment in less than 2 years. He arrived there this past November and he was due back sometime in May of this year.

One month ago, Iraq

Previous Deployment in 2005, Iraq


On April 9th around 9pm, his team got the call to check on a suspicious package. They arrived at the location. Tony was able to diffuse the first bomb, but was unaware that there was a trigger involved with the first, which in turn detonated the second bomb. Tony was the only one killed. Some of his teamates were wounded.

He is survived by his wife Angie and their 5 children ages 1-11 and also leaves behind his Mom and Dad, 11 younger brothers and sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, fellow servicemen and many friends. He turned 31 less than one month ago and he and Angie had just celebrated their 12th anniversary less than 2 weeks ago.

Our last family reunion with Tony in October 2007

The hotdog. Tony's favorite costume. :)


Jason and I were talking about Tony's life during one part of our long drive from San Antonio to Virginia. Jason said that if someone had told Tony 11 years ago (when he was enlisting in the Air Force) "You and Angie are going to have 5 kids, you're going to be in the bombsquad and you'll be deployed several times and when you're 31 you're going to die in war while diffusing a bomb - do you still want to do this?" Tony probably would have said "Sure, but can someone get a video of it for me?"

This week we're going to celebrate Tony's life and honor his death. People from all over the world are coming to pay their respects. Tony will be missed by all of his family and friends, so much more than he could have ever imagined. He was a big part of our lives and his absence will be difficult to bear. We will miss his great sense of humor, his stories, his love and friendship and we look forward to the day when we can see him again in heaven. He will be buried alongside the other hundreds of thousands of great men and women - heroes of old - at Arlington National Cemetary this Friday on April 18, 2008.



There is an Anthony Capra Memorial Fund for anyone who'd like to contribute. The money will go towards college funds for Tony and Angie's 5 children. If anyone would like to contribute, please contact me at tricia_capra@hotmail.com and I'll give you more information.

To close, I want to add one of my favorite quotes. It applies to all service members (Airmen, Marines, Sailors and Soldiers).

"The only people willing to sacrifice their lives for you are Jesus and The American Soldier.
One died for your salvation, the other for your freedom."

When you think of Tony, remember his fellow servicemen who are in harm's way. Please keep them - as well as the families of the fallen - in your thoughts and prayers.

A Little About Me

Where were you born? Las Vegas, NV (Nellis Air Force Base) 
Middle Name? Lea 
Nicknames? Tricia, Trish, Tricia-poo, Pisha (what my sister called me when she was little and couldn't pronounce my name, but my Mom and Dad still call me it), Mommy and Babe (Jason called me Babe while we were dating/engaged and Jason's then cute little 4-year old brother, Jacob, started calling me Babe, so the rest of Jason's brother's followed suit). ; ) 
How old are you? 29 (Eek! 30 is coming fast! Slow down dang blast it!)
 Do you cry often during movies? I don't think so, but only because Jason never sits through those kinds of movies with me, so I don't usually go out of my way to watch them on my own. I think the last movie I cried over was The Notebook (but I did it in the comfort of my own home with my sister-in-law Rachel), so I didn't have to worry about a ton of people (or Jason) hearing my sniffles or catching glimpses of my inflamed red eye balls! ; ) 
What are your biggest pet peeves? Crazy drivers, traffic, loud car stereos, people who curse every other word, when everything God-related is taken out of school and government, people who don't support our troops, deteriorating morals and values...hmm...and being reminded of what my pet peeves are!! ; ) 
Favorite color? Blue 
Favorite food? Turkish (but I'm also partial to Greek, Chinese, Mexican and Seafood - okay almost anything!)
Favorite beverage? Yuengling beer, Starbucks Skinny Tazo Chai Latte, Frozen Margaritas and Muscat Canelli Reserve (white Italian wine made here in Texas)
Favorite cereal? Kashi Go Lean Crunch
What brand shoes do you buy? Usually Rocket Dog 
How many pillows do you sleep with? One 
Do you play an instrument? Clarinet (back in the day) and piano (well I'm currently teaching myself anyways) 
Ever been skinny dipping? No way man! I'd be way too embarrassed to ever do something like that! I guess the opportunity has never presented itself! Have I been missing out on something? ; ) 
Did you play sports in High School? Volleyball, Softball and Tennis.
What was the last movie you saw in the theater? Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who (just a tad bit disappointing). Jason and I both thought all of the best parts were in the previews. Kristin liked it though - that isn't saying much though - she also likes My Little Pony and Barbie movies. ; ) 
What is your dream vacation? Hawaii, Germany, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Scotland, France and Thailand all without the kids (they can come along for subsequent visits when they're older) and Disney World with the kids! 
What was your first impression of your spouse? I thought that he was extremely cute, really sweet, very funny and a good Christian boy. I didn't realize that he was actually pretty smart until some time later. ; )
 If I was an animal what would you be? I don't think I can answer that one - I'd hate to be an animal! 
Favorite "Me Time" Activity? Exercising and showering before the kids wake up, shopping without the kids (even just commissary shopping), going out on dates with the hubcap and planning vacations.
One of my weaknesses? butter popcorn and M&Ms (at the theater) and anything my Mom cooks!
What do I fix for dinner when there is nothing to fix? Fix if there's nothing to fix? That's a silly question - we'd just go out to eat! I guess if I had to choose what to fix - it would be omelets, toast and fruit. 
What decade/era would you want to be in? I love eras like those in Pride and Prejudice and Gone with the Wind, but I don't think I'd like to live in them myself! I enjoy running water, electricity, cars and airplanes too much! And I don't know what I'd do without my cell phone/planner or computer! I only wish our era still upheld more conservative morals and values. 
What would be your dream job? I love the job I have right now (wife and stay-at-home mom) and I wouldn't trade it for anything! I'd love to eventually start working on my MBA in finance. I'm sure I'll end up working again one day - maybe I'll do some type of volunteer work just to keep myself busy while also helping others.  
Do you consider yourself out-going? Yes. Well actually - I'd prefer people to approach me first, but I don't mind making an effort to meet people and get to know them. 
What are you constantly working on? Trying to choose a home school curriculum for Kristin, planning the perfect schedule (that usually never happens or at least doesn't last very long), adding things to my never ending list of things I'd like to start doing (hobbies mostly), planning vacations and the usual - cleaning, cooking, feeding, changing diapers, planning what to cook, planning what to clean, making grocery lists, paying bills and working on the budget and more of the same! ; ) 
Any hidden talents? I'm not sure, but I know driving whilst talking isn't one of them! ;) 
What is a word or phrase that you overuse? "Wait a second" and "Not right now" (with Kristin) 
One thing people don't know about you: That I'm obsessive compulsive - especially when it comes to making sure the doors are all locked and that the stove is off (this used to be a daily thing, but now it's only before we leave on vacation). I don't know what childhood incident could have been so traumatizing to have made me so crazy, but I've gotten better (at least I think I have)! ; ) 
Most disgusting thing I've had in my hand: During Jason's first few months of medical school, every two students had their own cadaver for Anatomy class. One lovely day, Jason decided it was time for me to meet his cadaver. She was probably in her 80's or so (or used to be anyways). When he was done showing me her and giving me a little mini-lecture in anatomy, he needed me to help him cover her back up (or so he made me believe that he needed my help), so he had me hold her in place (with rubber gloves of course) while he pulled the metal doors up and around her. It wasn't too horribly disgusting to handle a dead body, but it was very very creepy!! 
Where I'd like to retire? I used to be dead set on Washington or Oregon because of how green it is...but it's green for a reason - it rains too much!  I don't know if I'd like that kind of weather forever.  Virginia maybe? Wherever we end up, I'd love to also have a summer home somewhere amazing...maybe in another country (after I figure out which one is my favorite). That isn't asking too much is it? : ) 
Places I've lived: Las Vegas, NV (Nellis Air Force Base), Tacoma, WA (McChord AFB), Sacramento, CA (Mather AFB), Adana, Turkey (Incirlik AB), Goldsboro, NC (Seymour Johnson AFB), Portland, OR, Vancouver, WA, Rockville and Andrews AFB, MD, Honolulu, Hawaii (in temporary lodging on Tripler for 3 glorious months) and presently in San Antonio, TX (Lackland AFB). 
Jobs I've had: In Turkey: commissary bagger, waitress, elementary school bus aide and I.D. checker at BX. In North Carolina: after school program specialist at Youth Center (a.k.a. glorified babysitter). In Oregon: Applebees hostess, teacher's aide for my accounting professor, accounting tutor, intern for accounts receivable department at Concordia University and accounts payable clerk at my alma mader after graduation. In Maryland: office clerk in Department of Surgery at USUHS (medical school Jason attended). After one year in Maryland, we had Kristin and I decided to take a serious pay cut and become a stay-at-home mom. I wouldn't trade my job for anything...but I do miss those paychecks...sort of... ; )

Our little Kristin-poo

Here is a couple of video clips of Kristin. The first video is of her reading her first book and the second video is of her during one of her ballet classes. It isn't the best, but it was the only one I was able to film before my battery died. :( Have I mentioned before how much I hate my camera? ;)

Don't be expecting any video clips of me in my ballet class! I'll never agree to such a preposterous display of humiliation! I know you're all dying to to catch a glimpse of me in my tights and leotard (who wouldn't?), but I won't be making any debut appearances any time soon! ;)

Kristin reading her first book

Kristin in ballet class. You can't miss her - she's the only blonde-haired girl in the class


They've just started getting ready for the June recital. I think it has something to do with The Little Mermaid. I still haven't decided whether we're going to have her participate or not. If money wasn't an issue, I'd definitely sign her up - but since money is always an issue (argh!), I'm not quite sure what to do. It looks like the recital will last about 4 hours! Eek! Of course it includes the whole ballet academy, but I'm almost 100% positive that the 4-5 year old portion of the recital will be comprised of a whopping 5 minutes of show time at the very most. So....I'm not sure if the $135 recital fee is worth the trouble that it would inevitably inflict on our budget. What's a parent to do? I don't think Kristin (or the rest of her class) really even knows about the recital or realizes that it's any big deal. I might just wait until the wintertime - when the next recital is scheduled. We'll see...