Greetings, farewells, and what is in between

Our departure ceremony was today. We got treated to speeches and the Ft Sill Army band and applause from families, friends and co-workers. And I was treated by a group of the Patriot Guard Riders that showed up to say farewell to us. I will admit that I do not like being the center of attention, I never have and I probably never will, however, it was amazing to hear Shooter, the SW Oklahoma Ride Captain tell me, after the ceremony, “We were here for YOU, Fish.”

I love what I do, and I would do it without any thanks at all. As a matter of fact, I HAVE done it without thanks for many years, but to hear people applaud us as if we are stars; to shake hands with one of the Oklahoma Representatives to Congress and hear her say that we should “take care of yourselves” is an uplifting event.

Phoenix, I must say thank you, again. I didn’t realize how much I needed to hear that what I, and by extension, my soldiers, do is appreciated.

Please, everyone, everywhere, if you know a Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, or Coastguardsman, past or present, go up to them and say, “Thank you for your service.” You will see an amazing reaction. If not for them, then we wouldn’t be free, and (I can finally admit to myself) if not for me, we would not be free.

As you can guess, I am a bit introspective.

Have a good evening; I will try to get more posts up before I have to pack up my computer.

Carlo