By 
My husband and I have been looking forward to Memorial Day since the last Memorial Day. For the past four years, we drive up to Indianapolis, Indiana to spend time with family, friends, and see the Indianapolis 500 - the greatest spectacle in racing! Some of you know that my husband is a mechanic, and he is definitely a car guy. So, by marriage, I have become a car lady. My family has been Indy 500 ticket holders for over 50 years, and it is really special that I get to sit in the same exact seats that my parents sat in when they were our age. It is a full weekend of activities, traditions, and fun. Speedway, Indiana has so many people from all over the world attend this race, that I believe I remember it beginning the 6th populated city on race day in the entire USA. However, it is not just about family, friends, the race and cars.
Memorial Day is very special to us. Memorial Day is a day on which those who died in active military service are remembered. Our grandfathers served and defended our country, and we have numerous friends who protect and defend our amazing country. We thank you for your service! The Indianapolis 500 does an amazing job remembering those who died in active military.
Many East Texans take this opportunity to spend time with their friends and family, travel, go to the lake, BBQ... This is a wonderful opportunity to remember WHY we celebrate Memorial Day.
Here are some ideas that you can add to your Memorial Day tradition:
1. Write letters to soldiers and their families. Once you are done writing your letter, you can drop it off at A Million Thanks Drop Off Location.
2. Go through your mail, and find those coupons. Even if they are expired, military bases can use these coupons with The Over Seas Coupon Program.
3. Put together an appreciative care package. Operation Gratitude encourages people to donate year round, but this would be a great tradition to start with your family.
4. As you are putting together your invite list for Lake Day or BBQ, invite a veteran.
5. Fly the USA flag proudly in your front yard.
6. Take a moment of silence to remember those who have died in active duty.
7. Donate flowers for soldiers graves.
You still have plenty of time to incorporate one of these for this year's Memorial Day. A moment of silence takes 1 minute. A letter takes 5 minutes. Mailing coupons takes 10 minutes. Think about how this "small gesture" can greatly impact those in need.
Kelly Raulston
“Reliable and Ready” REALTOR® since 2016. I was born in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, but was raised in Texas since 1997. When I found out we were moving to Plano, Texas, I remember looking forward to riding a horse to school and a brand-new pair of cowboy boots! Growing up in Plano prepared me to be competitive, quick, and to have a strong work ethic.
I graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Axe’em Jacks! That is where my love for East Texas began. The nature, warm smiles, football games, and community values can't be beat! I graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I was a middle school math teacher in Tyler, Texas. I met my husband, Travis, in Sunday school, and we have been married since September 2016.
I love being a REALTOR® in East Texas! Relationships are genuine, the area is beautiful, and the market is rockin’! I am an involved REALTOR® to better the community. Some of the organizations I am involved with are: The Professional Development Committee, Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee, and Tyler Educational Networking Group. Some awards I have won were “The Hustle Award” in 2016, and “Rookie of the Year” in 2017.
When I am not working with my clients, I like to spend quality time with my friends and family doing the following: running, target practice, read and participate in book club, and playing with my dachshund Greta.
