The End

22 + years ago I made a call to a recruiter about a navy program I had heard about. How different would my life have been if I had not? I guess I'll never know. I am absolutely from the bottom of my soul glad that I did go down this path. The benefits and opportunities were amazing. But they don't, in any way compare, to the way my life has changed because of the people I met. I believe we are molded by a compilation of the influences made by the people in our lives. I have the US Navy to thank for these servicemen and servicewomen being a part of my life: Dennis R, Joel T, Frank M, Marguerite R, John B, Ken W, Doug A, Jon B, Paul S, Calvin C, Liz W, John F, Mike C, Tom R, Angie U (may have met her without the recruiter...since we were married before the call, but she was an excellent servicemember colleague), The NRC Duluth Chief's Mess, John H, Maggie Y, Donna H, Larry T, Pat T, Cheryl K, Dave R, Shannon R, Donnie G, Matt H, Bob O, Larry K, Ladonna V, and most importantly - Mike, Ida, and Barry my three greatest friends in the Navy. This is a small and incomplete list. The names mean nothing to anyone reading this, but are a huge part of who I am.

I leave today with no regrets. None for joining, none for staying, and none for leaving. I am closing a chapter in my life and starting a new one.

TBL: The most important thing we get from our professions isn't the money, its not the pride, its the opportunity to be shaped by good people.