Letters

I'm about to retire and though my civilian life has irrevocably changed, it is only physical.  The many new friends I have gained through our SFAC activities have renewed my hope in my new life.  That it is indeed, simply a new life with great promise.The routine of my medical care, because it was unique to me, often isolated me from other soldiers who were also undergoing individualized medical care.  The SFAC common room area served as exactly that.  I was able to meet with other soldiers and their families in an atmosphere reminiscent of a family get together.  We talked, played scrabble, laughed and made light of situations that could only be borne because our togetherness and laughter pushed back that hovering cloud of somber despair.

The SFAC was my safe haven during my many months of recovery and for many of my friends, it became years.  The trips we took;to dinner, to fish, to shop, to hunt, to play bingo have all given me an opportunity to enjoy the best of life in the country I am ready to defend to the death.

I'm about to retire and though my civilian life has irrevocably changed, it is only physical.  The many new friends I have gained through our SFAC activities have renewed my hope in my new life.  That it is indeed, simply a new life with great promise.

My special thanks to "Miss Judith", who is at once an indulgent and benign lioness who ably restrains the rambunctious cub but at the least sign of danger, will defend us with determined ferocity.