“My husband, Robert Lockheed, is serving in the United States Air Force. He enlisted in May of this year.

He left for Basic Training a week after our daughter was born. We didn't see him until she was 2 months old. And that was just for a few days. Then he didn't see her again until she was over 3 months old. We spent a couple of months together, he left when she was 5 months old.

She is now 6 and half months old and he is currently away in Washington state for some classified training. He misses me, our daughter Malaya and our 2 dogs dearly!

Times are hard without him, but I wanted to let him know that we love him dearly and we are SO proud of him. We are waiting for the day we can be together again.

All our family miss him and are so proud of him and can't wait to see him for Thanksgiving! Thank you to all those who serve in today's Military! It’s an honor.”

– Sarah Lockheed

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Posted by: Salute to Troops
Filed under: Salute to Troops

Meteorologist Bob Van Dillen

Hey guys, It’s Bob. Ahh yeah, Las Vegas in 2 weeks!

I’m flying out to run the Las Vegas Rock n’ Roll half marathon on Dec 6. I’m the honorary chairman for the Crohn’s and Colitis foundation of America, and they are the main charity for the event.

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I even get to MC the event at the MGM the night before the race. Yeah, I’m playing Vegas, baby. Like Don Rickles. Sort of.

Anybody else in training for a race? It isn’t easy running in the cold and rain, in fact it is miserable. Especially since I’m not the thinnest kid on the block.

Posted by: Meteorologist Bob Van Dillen
Filed under: Behind the Scenes

Morning Express Anchor Robin Meade

You probably know his tales of blood and guts … gore and fear … but, who would’ve guessed, beloved, bestselling author Stephen King was in OUR studio this morning … the studio of "Morning Express with Robin Meade."

"I'm such a huge fan." This is what everyone in the room probably wanted to gush to King, but we're holding back for journalistic integrity's sake. Instead, that's what King says to us when I breeze into the room, ready for our one-on-one interview. He dispenses a warm embrace, remarking that I'm shorter than he thought I'd be.

For his legion of fans and newer converts, I hope this doesn't burst your bubble of the spooky, mysterious image you may have of King based on the writings that sprout from his brain. But, he's a regular as regular can be, a great conversationalist and a real hoot.

I notice that when King comes into the studio, there is no entourage, no publicist telling us what we can and can't ask. No limitations on how long our interview can be. No narcissistic requests about lighting or which side of the interview couch he wants to sit on. Nada!

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There was plenty of talk though; talk about what went into his latest work, available now, called "Under the Dome" and his thoughts on myriad topics. I found out he’s a news connoisseur too. In fact, in “Under the Dome,” a number of CNN anchors make appearances. Everyone from Wolf Blitzer (affectionately referred to as “Wolfie”) to Anderson Cooper and Barbara Starr.

And he's funny. I think you get a sense of a quirky humor when you're reading his descriptions of some of his characters in his books. He's just as quick-witted in person, too.

One more thing that may fascinate you … Stephen King plays in a band composed strictly of writers. It sometimes includes humor writer Dave Barry and bestseller Mitch Albon. And he tells me since I've got a bestseller under my belt recently, too, as an author, I can be his lead singer, the next time he's in town.

Now, you don’t have to ask me twice, Stephen King. Make room, Dave Barry. Give me a tambourine. It’s gonna be SCARY good. Ha!

Posted by: Morning Sunshine
Filed under: Behind the Scenes

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Do you guys remember the Morning Sunshine Challenge? To celebrate the release of Robin's book, "Morning Sunshine: How to Radiate Confidence and Feel it Too," we hosted a contest asking people to share their confidence-building tips.

Well, the winner, Lindsay S, will be on the set today! Check out her live interview with Robin at 9.30 am. She's absolutely adorable, you wont want to miss it!

We kicked off the challenge with Robin asking viewers "What is the biggest obstacle you have faced (or overcome) on your road to self confidence?"

iReporter Lindsay Sprick touched our heart with her answer.

Lindsay says that she grew up fast when she was diagnosed with an auto-immune skin disease at age 11 that left 80% of her skin looking dry and cracked like a desert.

She faced a lot of ridicule from her school classmates, but says that she learned to smile in the face of pain, and to keep up her confidence.

Lindsay said, "You can’t let people make you feel bad for things you can’t control. Be proud of who you are and who you want to be! Love yourself and you’ll see that happiness is just around the corner."

Thanks again, Lindsay!

Posted by: Morning Sunshine Contest
Filed under: Morning Sunshine • Morning Sunshine Contest

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This salute is from Sharisse Hinds to her Fiance Larry Walker Johnson, E02, U.S. Navy.

I want to salute E02 Larry Walker Johnson has been in the US Navy for 10 years. He started off active and then went reservist. He felt called to serve his country and decided to go active for this mission.

We got pregnant in July 2008 and he had to leave in August 2008 to Norfolk, VA to train for his mobilization in October 2008. Although he knew I was pregnant he still felt called to follow through on his commitment which showed such loyalty and courage. He was stationed in Kuwait/Iraq for 9 months and in charge of transportation.

Larry left behind his 3 sons, Tyler (19), Joshua (11) and Alex (7), a soon to be step daughter Isabella (5), a 4 month pregnant fiancé and his loving family.

It was very hard on the both of us during this time but we both knew that God had a purpose and Larry was determined to follow it through. It was especially difficult for him because I was pregnant with his first daughter. There were many sleepless nights and lots of tears shed throughout this process. I was hormonal and alone and he was thousands of miles away and could not comfort me. We were able to skype and at times speak on the phone but that could never replace the empty bed, the doctor’s visits alone and then of course the absence of the man I love at the birth of his baby girl.

I went into labor on February 27, 2009 and gave birth to a 7lb and 3 oz baby girl. Gabrielle Margaree Johnson was 4 weeks early probably due to the stress of Larry’s absence throughout my pregnancy. My best friend was able to email him and he was able to call my cell phone during the birth. I was amazed that I was able to speak to him because getting through to him was very difficult and the 8 hour time difference did not help.

I have pictures of me and the baby immediately after delivery with the phone to my ear listening to her daddy tell me how much he wish he could have been there to see his baby girl born. We were able to skype and he was able to see his baby girl but I could see the joy and sadness in his eyes. It was that way for another 5 months until he returned back to the states at the end of July.

The emotions that filled the air when he met his baby girl for the first time were priceless. She just looked at him as if she knew him and put her head on his chest as if she was where she knew she should be, in Daddy’s arms.

It has been an adjustment for all of us having him home. He has had to get used to our schedule, changing diapers and learning to care for a baby girl. We have 5 children between the 2 of us and that is a balancing act but we are blessed that God has shown favor on our family. God has kept us and protects us while we were in the states alone and while he was away and now God has brought our family back together and we are just so happy.

I am so proud of Larry and his accomplishments. He is our hero and our protector and we love him beyond words. He is known to the military as E02 Johnson but to us he is daddy, son, brother, friend and husband.

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Posted by: Salute to Troops
Filed under: Salute to Troops

Have you guys had a chance to catch the new series on Morning Express, Leaders with Heart?

We take a look at people who are taking initiative and making life better for the people around them.

This week, we talk to a woman who works to meet the needs of some very special troops.

Posted by: Leaders with Heart
Filed under: Extras

Every day we send out a Salute to Troop – our heartfelt bit of thanks to American service men and women giving so much for our country.

In honor of Veterans Day, we'd like to offer a very special thank you to our troops.

Check out our special edition of the podcast. It's all about you, troops!

Thanks, again, for all you do for us.

Posted by: Salute to Troops
Filed under: Salute to Troops

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This salute is from Robin Gregory to her son PFC Aaron William Oxenford who is with the Army Infantry and deployed to Al-Nasiriyah, Iraq.

Aaron has been in Iraq since May, and was unable to celebrate his first anniversary with his new wife Danielle Oxenford. They were married a year on 8/20/2009 (which was also his Grandmother Carol Smale's birthday).

Aaron has one sister (Kelly Gregory) and two brothers (Kyle Gregory and Jonathan Oxenford).

Aaron is a 2004 graduate of Southern Lehigh High School. Aaron is an avid musician, and plays many different instruments. Aaron is an animal lover and is being missed by his beloved dog Curtis. Aaron will be celebrating his 24th birthday this Halloween.

Be safe, know that we love you, we're all proud of you, and our best wishes for a happy birthday!

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Posted by: Salute to Troops
Filed under: Salute to Troops

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This salute is from Angela Gaffner to her son Specialist Cory Gaffner, Army Reserves.

"Cory is an Army Reservist out of Phoenix, AZ 348th transportation unit 365 day tour in Afghanistan stationed at Camp Leatherneck, He is a Driver and a 50 cal gunner.

He has been there for 2 months so far and he is keeping his spirits up, He enjoys representing his country and feels very proud about what he is doing, he is a wonderful young man with a lot of love in his heart. He is planning on having a huge wedding on September 18th, 2010 to his fiancée Brittany."

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A new poll shows Romney up front in Iowa.

Just wanted to update you all on my son,s status, here are a couple of pics as well as a letter that was just written to me

It states as follows:

"Mom I am well do not worry about me, I love my friends here and I love my missions which I finally started. I am very proud to be doing what Im doing. Sorry I have not got a chance to write, things have been crazy here. I'm a 50 cal gunner and a driver now.

When you roll out on a convoy all the other soldiers and marines look at you like you are some kind of HERO. 90% of the people on the post will never even go out of the front gate like I do on a DAILY basis. I miss my home, I miss my family and my dogs, Arizona in general and yes, I miss my wife. This place is not that bad, time is going by fast. This is the stuff I want to tell my grandkids about, disgruntled old veteran suits me just fine. Thank you for sending packages, I really could use some more wet wipes and I loved those white grape juice drinks.

Love,
Cory
(Camp Leatherneck)"

- Angela Gaffner

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Filed under: Salute to Troops