This month I misplaced one in all my oldest associates, his title is Don.
I met Don in 1998, in Stuttgart Germany. He was such an exquisite good friend; he would come over to my condo and assist me with my laptop. He would maintain my daughter, and he or she simply beloved him. She would attain her arms as much as him, anticipating him to select her up, which he at all times did. BTW Don is like 6’3”, so he’s an enormous dude. I want I had an image of him, however Don didn’t like taking footage. I did discover some outdated footage of after I was stationed in Stuttgart. I included the calendar as a result of for those who look on the ninth I had lunch with Don.
After he left Germany we misplaced contact, however after I retired from the Air Drive in 2008 I came upon from a mutual good friend Don was in COS. Ramona, who was additionally stationed at Stuttgart, advised me Don was working on the Missile Protection Company (MDA) at Schriever SFB. I reached out to Don and naturally he acquired me my first job as a contractor. We labored within the JEWL at Schriever and spent a 12 months going to CENTCOM places and constructing Early Warning procedures/processes for these in CENTCOM. Our friendship grew and we spent a lot time strolling and speaking and turning into nearer associates. Sadly once more, no footage – enormous remorse of mine.
After I left the JEWL, Don and I stayed in touched and nonetheless went on our walks. Once I moved out of the MDA Don would nonetheless name me and discuss in a humorous voice and we’d speak about non-politically appropriate issues… Don might at all times cheer me up and make me snicker. He was somebody I might at all times rely on. He was an exquisite man; sturdy, variety, clever, humorous, giving, and had so many extra attributes it’s unimaginable to checklist all of them. All of which was echoed at his memorial, BTW it was so troublesome.
Since I don’t have an image of Don, I made a Fused Glass pocket coronary heart and wrote on it and can take it to work with me. That method at any time when I consider Don, I’ll see the center and bear in mind all of the kindness and sage recommendation he gave me.
I simply want I used to be as variety as he was; what a tremendous man. He beloved his spouse, his mom, his children, and his grandkids. He advised me he was retiring quickly. I’m so sorry he didn’t get that probability. He served his nation as an Air Drive member for over 20 years, as a authorities contractor, and as a authorities civilian.
What a present to his household, America, and to me.
Don, Thanks for being my good friend, I like you. I’ll miss you endlessly.
All the time,
Karen