When living at Hanau, I remember my dad going “TDY” in our backyard—well about 100 yards from our house. I remember my mom and me hauling hot water in large black garbage bags out to my dad. She would also always make all the troops homemade cookies and take them out to them. Way to rough it!!

I cannot remember my mom missing a single game or competition I was in. I remember driving forever to swim meets and “camping out” in the gym for hours. I remember her cow bell at all my games. And though I always stated that I was embarrassed, I was very proud that she was always there.

I always wanted to learn how to cook; but if I took lessons from my mom, I would have had to become a chef. My mom did not know, and still does not know, how to cook for two or four people. When she cooked, we fed the neighborhood. I never had to worry about not having enough food in case my friends stopped by. And this still has not changed—have you seen her frig?

One year during my birthday week, my family rented a catamaran. One day while heading to our next destinations, we came upon a group of dolphins. The dolphins were swimming along side of the boat. The next thing I saw was my mom, who was fully clothed, running off the end of the boat to swim with the dolphins. She honestly did not even think twice about what she was doing or going to do. All she could think about was swimming with the dolphins. The funning thing is that recently we found out that swimming with wild dolphins is a major felony—if only dolphins could talk.

Every night the triplets get read to before going to bed. This is a way to start calming them down and relaxing. Well at our last family vacation while I was reading, mom stood right behind acting out all the books. Needless to say, the triplets never got calm. It was like watching a really bad episode of “So You Think You Can Dance.”

Love,

Karen

How we would love to be with you when it all comes together! She has to be one of the most fun and beloved entities on the planet. That laugh! When you are with her and she lets it loose, you just know that everyone within earshot envies you and wants to be with you at her table.

May I have 2 memories? The first one is miniscule, but so telling! We had just arrived off the plane from the States - Frankfurt, June 1977. Long trip, two tired little girls. Expecting the "Usual" in terms of Army sponsors - somehow Belly Dancing lessons on my very first night hadn't been on my radar screen - but there we were - supply, pliant laughing Bonnie acting like it was the most natural thing in the world to be there - and, you know what, it was! What a hoot - great fun.

The second memory (and they are all like this) is of the time Bonnie and I took our 4 girls, Karen and Sandra (Bonnie's) and Kelly and Suzy (mine) to the Schwartzenwald (Black Forest - as in Baden Baden, etc.) for a picnic. This would be in the spring/summer of 1978.

Well, we headed off early in the morning. Took us about a couple of hours, I think, to get there. We always had a great time together, with lots of laughter (this is with Bonnie, right?) Anyway, as the afternoon wears on, we pack up the kids and head for home - Frankfurt - about 2 hours away.

Soooo - we're heading up the Autobahn (I can't remember for the life of me who was driving and who was navigating) but all of a sudden, out of the darkness, appears this sign, which says (in German) WELCOME TO BITTBURG! Bittburg??? Well, the guys had been somewhat apprehensive when we hadn't already shown up at home (with their children) but their concern was miraculously replaced by incredulity - the fact that we had been having such a great time chatting that we had completely missed all the exit signs for Frankfurt and had blithely driven at least a further full hour north (in the dark) to Bittburg. Being with Bonnie is so marvelous that the minutes just melt away.

Hey Bonnie. Happy, Happy Birthday from us both from the bottom of our hearts. You're just the greatest! Do you still have the cow bell?

Lots and lots of love

Rosemary and Larry

Love the photo of Bonnie comforting the dolphin. You guys are so great, I'm laughing as I type this. We're looking forward to the Website after the 19th. Give each other a big kiss and hug from us.

Rosemary

Wow, where do I start with the memories of the Bradens, especially Bonnie. They began from the moment I met her. From dropping in at the quarters to coming by the office, luncheons, hail and farewells, and Go Karts Plus.

But my most memorable and favorite memory would be my retirement luncheon. Bonnie impersonated "the Colonel" in full BDU uniform and in her best "commander's voice" started giving "orders" to his secretary, portrayed by COL Braden. All of this was played to the "nth" degree. Another fond memory occurs every Christmas. Upon my retirement Bonnie presented me with an Uncle Sam nutcracker. Little did she know it started me collecting nutcrackers and now as I display them during the holidays, Uncle Sam is in the forefront leading all the troops.

It is hard to believe Bonnie is turning 60. But you know what "they" say, 60 is the new 40. Best wishes and Happy Birthday!

I am doing ok. I miss Buck very much. Enjoy every minute you have together. 46 years went by too quickly. Say hello to everyone for me.

Marie Buckner

We’ll never forget our trips to Germany. We traveled all over. Jay and Bill rode in the front, and Bonnie, me and the girls all managed to fit in the back. We went to some marvelous places – locations we never dreamed of ever going and where I’ll never forget. We knew many of these places were trips that Jay and Bonnie had already visited but were good enough to bring us back to anyway.

I especially remember the effort you put into Dad's and my 50th wedding anniversary! Bonnie had the entire weekend planned to the nth degree. (I especially loved hearing that she wrote many invitations by flashlight while hiding under a blanket!) So many details, everything was lovely - I'll never forget it. I know there was help but I also know that Bonnie was the Master.

Everything I can remember has laughter in it; but also there is a serious side - such as all Bonnie did with insurance and other paperwork when Dad passed away.

Good memories, but best of all is seeing how happy you two have made each other.

With love,

Mom/Nanny (Elaine Braden)

Dear Bonnie,

Congratulations on reaching a significant milestone. Rosemarie and I have many wonderful memories of our time together in Germany. We wish you a joyous celebration surrounded with family and friends and we can speak from experience that life begins at 60 since we have long sense passed that milestone.

Happy 60th Birthday!

Rosemarie & Fred

Bonnie was my best friend in high school and we lived fairly close to one another on the base at Ft. Belvoir. I guess one of the funniest things is how she and my older brother, Bill, treated one another. She called him "Dumbo" (big ears) and he called her "Stretch". The picture in your e-mail with her in the water with a dolphin is priceless.

Kathy Capozzoli

Note from Jay: Bonnie says the other kids called her and Kathy "Mutt and Jeff" because of their height difference.

Dear Bonnie,

It's about time that you caught up!! One of the funniest moments that we shared was in Hanau. Someone, I believe Lynn Rame, spoke with us very seriously about the Commanding Officers Wives group. This group was comprised of battalion and brigade level wives. We meet for the first time when the announcement made and Bonnie turned to me and said "Do you believe we are going to be called 'Cows' is that a kick or what."

Needless to say Bonnie, Nancy, Cathy Johnson, and Julie Green lost control. The frown on our hostess's said all that needed to be conveyed. Bonnie was already cooking up an idea. The next group meeting just so happened to me across the street from the two of us and Bonnie showed up in a timely manor, but just a little bit late. On her person was the biggest cow bell I have ever seen with a lot of ringing to boot. There was not a dry eye in the house as everyone was hysterically. When it was Bonnie's turn our invitation came and contained many references to, "grazing, we are outstanding in our field, goodies that were utterly delicious," etc.

Bonnie, you were the sunshine in all of our dreary days in Germany. I know with my heart you are still the same and even better. Joel and I both said many times over you are a breath of fresh air and we treasure your friendship. Hope to see you sometime this year. Have a great day! Love, Nancy

Joeland Nancy Denney

We got the ladies of the 547th Engineer Battalion together for some fun by having a Tacky Queen contest. We invited Bonnie down for the event, and - well - the pictures speak for themselves. Happy Birthday!!

We can not believe it has been 20 years since we were in Darmstadt. But above is the proof. We hope Bonnie has a great 60th birthday. We will be thinking about her.

Love

Bill and Nancy Graham

Dearest Bonnie,

Happy Birthday! What a delight it is to have you as a friend and extended family member! You have been a bundle of love, support, and enthusiasm in my life. Whenever I spend time with you, I walk away encouraged in my relationship with God and man. Thank you for including me in your circle of love. :-D

Enjoy your celebration! I thank God upon every remembrance of you. (Ph 1:3)

With love,

Brenda Howard

How exciting! Those famous words spoken right before we signed up to take a class in cabbage patch doll making. We worked hard in making them look life like. The dolls head on mine must have weighed 5 lbs. And the hair was crocheted into curls. (Another 5 lbs.) Being a hair dresser myself, I loved a lot of curls. It was almost too much for Amanda to hold. But we were so proud of our dolls. Remember Bonnie? And yes, I still have that doll. Amanda doesn't have room for it in her closet.

And then there was the time we just had to take a calligraphy class. I must say that class has paid off.

And then another time when you said let's go horse back riding. How exciting...you said. So you got up a group and we made it a regular outing for the ladies who had the nerve to ride a barn yard horse. Each time a few more ladies would join in. Do you remember the time we rode much longer than usual and came upon some army men camping out in the woods? Must have been about 20 of us gals out there somewhere in the back forty. We may have been lost, but those horses somehow managed to get us back to the barn...........some faster than others.

Oh there are so many wonderful memories, Bonnie. Richard still enjoys the chicken sopa and the sopaipillas you taught me how to make. And another good one.....the Baked Chicken Kiev. I think of you every time I make them.

Happy Birthday, Bonnie. We love you very much. I know you will have a great time and it will be EXCITING.

Richard and Ginger

It was a beautiful, crisp autumn day in Hanau, Germany. We were driving down the street of New Argonner, the American Kaserne, enjoying the changing colors of the leaves when something caught our eye.

There were a bunch of kids playing in a huge pile of leaves, having a ball. It was a reflective moment as we each thought back to our youth when this would have been exactly what we would be doing under these perfect circumstances. It was a game of rough-house at its best.

Suddenly all the kids seemed to separate around the pile when we noticed that the pile was still moving. I think both of us reacted in the same way at the same time. We were about to park the car and make sure there was not a child underneath who might have been hurt. In a flurry of some magnitude there was all at once a figure emanating from the pile. The kids yelled and ran for cover as a rather large kid did indeed make her presence known. Of course, anyone reading this would know who this “kid” was, none other than Bonnie Braden, the Queen of kids and all things good and sweet.

Happy Birthday to you who brings out the kid in all of us.

Tom and Cathy Johnson

I first met Bonnie when I was 37 years old and she must have been an ancient 40. I was trying to figure out in a military community how a commander’s wife is supposed to behave and be “a good role model.” I was looking for guidance in my new role – and there she was at a formal military ball with her wooden flappy footed duck named Hermie. Hermie was very “fresh” and ran around looking under the long dresses of the ladies when we least expected it. When she wasn’t playing with Hermie, she was doing the Chicken Dance! I was astounded, confused and delighted by Bonnie.

I got another burst of Bonnie enthusiasm when we were assigned nearby each other in Virginia when I was 47 and she was almost 50. She taught me to Roller Blade. We were invited to the Braden home on post for fireworks on some non-traditional celebration day. Any day is a good day for celebration with Bonnie! Somehow the entire tub of fireworks got set off all at once and many ended up in their neighbor’s boat.

Now I am 57 and she is turning 60. She is still my favorite life role model. She taught me not to take life too seriously, laugh, and have fun with it. She has also been a fine Christian woman role model of a compassionate, dedicated homemaker, mother, wife and community member...

Tom and I have often said over the years when we have had the courage to do something bold, off the wall, fun, out of our conservative, straight laced, comfort zone ... "Bonnie Braden would be proud!"

Tom and Marilyn MacIver

Happy B-Day so you are the BIG 60 Woopy you caught up with me!!!

I remember when you came to Hanau. And about You semi-dressing up like a cow to got to the COW meeting and the wives' reactions. I was impressed that you showed spark and fun. Do you remember the time we sat in the balcony of the chapel and whistled, hooted and hallowed. There was a teen rally with some singer and the teens seemed so disinterested so we wanted the singer or who ever it was that we that it was good and to encourage him. I remember when the teens turned around and looked at us. That was a fun time. It was two SisterChicks having a good time and enjoying the LORD and each other.

Life is too short not to enjoy what GOD has given us.

Do your remember the yard sale and when I sold the white rug? You were very gracious. I think you thought, at first, that I was kidding you but when you found out it really did happen. you didn't get mad. We were still good friends.

You have and still are an inspiration to me. Thank you for being you.

The picture that Jay sent says it all. That picture shows the inner you. Tender, loving and compassionate. What a Godly women.

From one 60 year old SisterChick to another,

Love Katy

Mike and I hope you have a great celebration of Bonnie's upcoming birthday. It will be fun to hear all about it.

My two favorite memories of Bonnie are:

1. In the mid-80's at an Engineer conference in Bavaria, Germany, Bonnie took her 75 something mother down the Olympic bob-sled run. They both survived and had a great time.

2. I loved it when Bonnie told us how Robert, who could have gone to Florida State for free since Jay worked there, was graduating with a degree in engineering from out of state Georgia Tech, but was going to do "volunteer" work for Campus Crusade for Christ and he hoped for a generous donation from his parents to help support him for the year! Hopefully he's since been gainfully employed.

We loved seeing you all occasionally at GA Tech when our son was there also. We're going down next week for the GA Tech-Army game.

Happy Birthday to Bonnie! Bette and Mike

Congratulations to Bonnie on reaching the big 60. It sure looks young to me, the person who will hit the big 70 next January.

God Bless,

Paul Roberts

A New Adventure Begins!

It was a beautiful August day as we hid little bottles around the Catamaran. A treasure hunt would be a perfect way to start this family adventure! Steve took a great deal of time coming up with ways to link one clue to another to find the ultimate treasure! As I watched my family search from clue to clue I new that this would be a day different than any other day. The last bottle was found –we saved it especially for my mom. She read the note with hesitation and as she looked at the X on my belly I saw two things in her eyes. Joy and Sadness-Now that I look at that day through the eyes of being a Mother myself, I know why I saw those two emotions Joy-I am going to be a grandmother! I get to hold a little baby again! And sadness-My little girl is no longer my little girl! Little did we know that my becoming a mother would be a pivotal point in our relationship-not only would I have a mother that loves me more than words can express, but I would also be embarking on a friendship that I am honored to have! Not many people can say that their mom is their best friend!

Love, Sandra

Proverbs 31 Woman!

31:15: "She gets up while it is still dark and provides food for her family" (or donuts for her grandchildren at Perry’s)
31:16 "She considers a field a buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard" (or takes you on life changing, memory making trips-gamble on lady! :)
31:17 "She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks" (Who else can do 4 loads of laundry, clean your rugs and pressure wash your pool deck, and jump on the trampoline with their grandchildren)
31:18 "She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.> (Who else spends countless hours day trading?)
... and her lamp doesn’t go out" (... because she is up reading or faking reading so that she doesn’t seem like the overbearing parent when you come in at curfew time)
31:19 "In her hands she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers" (Embroidering, uniform mending, napkin making)
31:20 "She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy" (Never a day goes by that I am not called and asked if she can do anything for me. She even watches my friends children if need be.)
31:22 "She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple" (She makes her grandchildren’s bedding and of course she is in purple!)
31:25 "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come" (Who doesn’t know my mother’s laugh!)
31:26 "She speaks with wisdom; and faithful instruction is on her tongue" (I am thankful for her prayer and Godly advice)
31:29 "Many woman do noble things, but you surpass them all!" (In so many ways!)

I will rise up and call you BLESSED! The truth be told I am the blessed one, Mom you are truly a Proverbs 31 Woman!

Happy Birthday!

Love, Sandra

Reaching the BIG 60 is definitely a major milestone in your life.

The Rohleders congratulate and wish you a big Happy Birthday and long life. Wish we were there and hope you will enjoy your big day and note we will have a drink to celebrate your big day as well.

Bonnie is one loveable person and that is why you married her and have enjoyed your 38 or 39 years together. I remember the day after your marriage when your parents presented the new car and Bonnie went ballistic (which is a norm for Bonnie) and was jumping up and down in the back seat.

Of course there were many more experiences similar to that when Bonnie went ballistic but Bonnie is Bonnie and I know she enjoys life and the family she has established with you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY --- BONNIE

Chris and Jim

There are so many memories of Bonnie, but the one the stands out in my mind is when I was around 4, and we lived on Fort Benjamin Harrison, in Indiana, everyday Bonnie would ride me to school in the basket of her bike, boy! that was years ago. Bonnie, you have always been a wonderful sister, and I am blessed to have you in my life. So many times you have lifted my spirits when things were not going well in my life. I thank you for being there for me through it all. Mom always called you her "Beautiful Bonnie" and how true those words are. Have a wonderful Birthday! You deserve the best.

I love you,

Kim

Bonnie:

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you! ;-)

We have shared sooo many "adventures" together but the ones that stand out most in my mind are the ones relating to the boys and our times of prayer and thanksgiving.

Do you remember how we met every week at your house during the 2000/2001 school year to pray for our sons, Robert and Charles Elliott, as they adjusted to their freshmen year at Georgia Tech? We prayed for everything from dorm assignments, to exams, to finances, to girlfriends and everything in between. And then in 2004 we saw the final answer to those prayers when the boys graduated with flying "yellow jacket" colors. What a glorious time we had on that graduation day!

Do you recall all the wonderful Thanksgiving Days our families celebrated together? I will always remember, treasure and appreciate the fact that you and the Braden clan were with us in Tallahassee for Charles' last Thanksgiving Day here on earth. We had such a good time.

To sum up our shared experiences I would have to say to you and Jay: "Thanks for being there for us through thick and thin." Bonnie, you and I have experienced the gambit of situations in our lives; but God has been with us every step along the way. I have learned from you that life is like a roller coaster, but I can have fun, relax and enjoy the ride (as long as I have my seatbelt fastened!) Smile!

Live it up the next 60 years!

Your friend and prayer partner,

Barbara W.