Memorial Day Message 2015

As Memorial Day approaches, I reflect on the many, many hours that I spent deployed. 22 years of sea duty, 18 years in submarines, 8 years deployed in submarines away from homeport. I had a wonderful career and have many, many friendships. I was one of the truly blessed ones. I say blessed in that I came home with all my fingers and toes. I enjoy coming home now each day to my loving wife and dogs. I enjoy the fellowship of many friends every day. I got to see my children grow up, attend weddings, births, graduations and be there when I was needed. There are many who did not, there are many who deployed and never came home; who gave their all, their lives in service to their country--that we may enjoy these seemingly simple things in life. This Memorial Day, take a moment to reflect on those who paid the ultimate price of their lives to ensure that you and I remain free--our freedom, is isn't free!