We have always been proud Americans, but having a son in the military has heightened our sense of patriotism and support for those who have and do sacrifice to defend our country. 

We honor our fathers for their service during war time, and for being caring, committed men who continue to work hard and give so much of themselves to their families: we love you both.

John's father Pharmacist's Mate 2nd Class Eldon Schmitt served in the Navy during WWII, 1944-1947 (photo at left). Eldon has served as Post Commander of his VFW post.

Alise's father Airman First Class Herbert Fliger served during the Korean War, 1951-55 (photo at right).

We cannot begin to thank our veterans adequately, but would like to pay special tribute here to alpaca breeders and their sons and daughters who currently serve in any branch of the United States Armed Forces or Reserves.

If you are an alpaca breeder and either you, your spouse or your child currently serves, we would like to honor you, too. To send a photo and your farm website to us, click HERE.

SPC Christopher Schmitt, U.S. Army

Herd health and shearing helper extraordinaire, and one of our graphic art consultants.

Having just finished a year-long tour in South Korea, our eldest son Chris is now assigned to 51st Signal Battalion, Ft. Lewis, WA.

We thank Chris for his service to our country.

Col. Bruce Parker, U.S. Army

Chief, Director of Operations G-3, 18th Airbone Corps, Ft. Bragg, N.C. Veteran of one tour in Afghanistan and two tours in Iraq. Returning to Iraq Fall 2007, we pray for Col. Parker's safety and effective leadership.

Son of Jim and Arlene Parker of Lakeside Alpacas, Shelton, WA http://www.lakesidealpacas.com/

A veteran of two tours in Viet Nam, Maj. Jim Parker retired from the Army after 20 years of service. 
Jim and Arlene have four other sons and two daughters-in-law who have served in the Army a combined 78 years of active duty. We thank the Parker family for their outstanding service to our country.

SPC Jeremy Schieber, U.S. Army

Veteran of Iraq.

Son of Brian and Frieda Schieber, 1st Choice Alpacas, Battle Ground, WA. http://1stchoicealpacas.com/ 

We thank SPC Schieber for his service to our country.

Sgt. Micheal Coleman, U.S. Army

Serving with the 5/20 Stryker Brigade, out of Ft. Lewis, WA. His wife, Sarah, and son, Connor, have welcomed Sgt. Coleman home safely following a 15 month deployment to Iraq.

Son of Randy & Barbara Coleman, Wings and A Prayer Alpacas and 1st Class Transport, Canby, OR http://www.wapalpacas.com/

We thank Sgt. Coleman for his service to our country.

SFC Eric Cogdell, U.S. Army

Serving in Iraq with the B/1-34 AR, Sgt. Cogdell has been in the Army for 12 years and is based at Ft. Riley, Kansas.

Eric Cogdell and his wife Rena Bartlett own Rivendell Meadows Alpacas, Junction City, KS Their dedication to their alpacas (horses, dogs, cats, a goat and a chicken too!) causes them to move the farm whenever Eric is reassigned to a new post.

We thank Sgt. Cogdell for his service to our country.

GySgt. Wm. Fletcher, USMC & SMSgt Lisa Olsen, USAF

GySgt William E. Fletcher (USMC, Ret) and SMSgt Lisa R. Olsen (USAF, Ret) met in 1991 while deployed in support of Desert Storm.  The dog in the photo was the camp mascot, an Iraqi wild dog named "No Ears."  At the end of their deployment, Lisa took the dog back to her home base in Germany.  When reassigned to Ohio, Bill married her to get "his" dog back. Once both retired, they started Alpaca Atlantic with "No Ears" as their first livestock guard dog!

Bill Fletcher and Lisa Olsen own Alpaca Atlantic of Tennessee, LLC of Manchester, Tennessee. http://www.alpacaatlantic.com/

We thank Sgt. Fletcher and Sgt. Olsen for their service to our country.