My grandfather on my mother's side, R.V. Chrane, spent 27 years in the Navy as a nuclear weapons inspector and instructor. Even after retiring from the Navy when I was a kid and as I grew into adulthood, he carried himself with a posture, punctuality and purpose that any sailor today would take notice of.

I was his first grandchild and his only granddaughter; we had a very special relationship that I could tell dozens of stories about. But one of my favorite Grandad stories is one that my grandmother tells: They were stationed in Albuquerque when they learned of my impending arrival. As Grandad shared the news that his first grandchild was on her way, fellow officers and neighbors would often ask him, "What is the new grandbaby going to call you?" Without missing a beat, his answer was always, "Lieutenant Chrane. Just like everyone else does."

I miss him on this Veterans Day, and I offer my sincere thanks to all who serve and support them. It's an honor to be able to work with clients who share our appreciation and support of our men and women in uniform -- past, present and future.

Here's how it works: Pick out a hand-crafted bowl, and with your $15 donation to the food bank, you can have it filled with warm yumminess from one of dozens of local restaurants donating their best soups to the cause. Then relax with some live music before having your bowl washed to take it home.

Since its inception in 1997, the project has provided more than 2,000,000 meals throughout Central Texas.