Sent from Zip Trower, one of Dad's pilot friends from VAQ-134...the GARUDAS! He lives in Issaquah, Washington and flew for Alaska Airlines for many years. Retired now. Zip, JimBob, Diamond Jim and The Silver Fox and Stinko (Dad) flew many missions together. Well, not all at once as Diamond Jim and Z-Man (Zip) were both pilots, so it was one of them or the other. Dad, The Silver Fox and JimBob were ECMOS (Electronic Countermeasures Officers).

When a Veteran leaves the 'job' and retires to a better life, many
are jealous, some are pleased, and others, who may have already retired, wonder if he knows what he is leaving behind, because we already know.

1. We know, for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie that few
experience, it will remain as a longing for those past times.

2. We know in the Military life there is a fellowship which lasts long
after the uniforms are hung up in the back of the closet.

3. We know even if he throws them away, they will be on him with every step and breath that remains in his life. We also know how the very bearing of the man speaks of what he was and in his heart still is.

These are the burdens of the job. You will still look at people
suspiciously, still see what others do not see or choose to ignore and
always will look at the rest of the Military world with a respect for
what they do; only grown in a lifetime of knowing.

Never think for one moment you are escaping from that life. You are only escaping the 'job' and merely being allowed to leave 'active' duty.

So what I wish for you is that whenever you ease into retirement, in
your heart you never forget for one moment that you are still a member
of the greatest fraternity the world has ever known.

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A veteran - whether active duty, retired, or reserve- is someone who,
at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to: 'The
Government of the United States of America ' for an amount of 'up to and
including my life'. .. . and military wives are as much veterans as their
spouses.

From one Veteran to another, it's an honor to be in your company. Thank
you Veterans. Zip (James Trower)