Happy Birthday to our very own Papa Ben! Ben Lesser turns 85 this month and its quite remarkable the story his life can tell. As we try and put to words this great mans life it seems one or both of two parallel traits come to mind: at once, Ben has been able to pass on his strong values of perseverance and tenacity while providing his family with the care and support necessary for us to realize and appreciate such values.

To honor our family patriarch and celebrate his birthday we showered him with love, gifts and a few fun surprises this past weekend. To kick off the weekend Ben spoke to the graduating class at the Leadership School at Nellis Air Force Base.  Somehow his story never gets old and watching the crowd each time is an experience all on its own.  It was quite amazing, as it always is. After his speaking engagement we surprised Ben and his wife Jean with there very own hotel suite at Lake Las Vegas, a beautiful lake resort just 15 miles from the Las Vegas Strip.  With family members hiding in the room, Papa Ben was beyond thrilled when his grandchildren and even great grandson started popping out of corners of the room.  It was special.  The weekend was one that none of us will ever forget.  With nocell phones, TVs or computers our family had absolutely no interruptions.  We were all present. We were all there with one purpose, to celebrate Papa Ben.