Vanity - Retired Today

[AbnSarge]

Today I put on the uniform for the last time.

I was honored that Conor MacNessa and his bride were there to share the day.

To recap a 33 year career, I penned the following, all because I raised my right hand so many years ago, titled "No Regrets":

I have jumped from high in the sky, and dived deep into the sea

I have seen the sun rise from the peak of Mount Sinai, And watched it set into the Mediterranean from the beach at Tel Aviv

I have seen the sun glimmering off the snow-covered volcanic mountains of Hokkaido, and roamed the streets of Sapporo

I have sailed on the Sea of Galilee, walked the ancient streets of Jerusalem And seen the tomb of Christ

I have seen the ancient Babylonian Ziggurat at Agar Quf And touched the waters of Abraham’s Oasis

I have walked through medieval German castles And the ancient Roman ruins of Trier

I have watched Fijian war dances and Maori hakas

I drank chai with Jordanians in the desert, ate lamb in the home of an Iraqi Sheikh, and shared rations with Japanese soldiers in a snow-filled forest

I dove the crystal waters of the Red Sea, and swam through old and famous shipwrecks

I have been friends with Japanese, Uruguayans, Colombians, Hungarians, Italians, Brits, Germans, and Egyptians

Most of all, I have been blessed with the opportunity to learn from, teach, mentor and lead some of the finest men and women this country has ever produced ~

Once again, thank each of you for attending.

Now, for the last time,

Bushmaster 7 - Out

[Fast Moving Angel]

Beautifully written. Thank you for your service.

[goodwithagun]

Congratulations, good luck, and God bless!

[JennysCool]

Thank you, and congratulations, AbnSarge! May you have a long and blessed retirement!

[VinL]

The best of luck to you.

[EveningStar]

Thank you for your service. I say that sincerely. And have a wonderful retirement.

[ransomnote]

Thank you for your service. Congratulations.

[MountainDad]

AWESOME....

Thank you for your service....

[mass55th]

Congratulations!! Thank you for your service. Have a very long, happy, and healthy retirement.

[Zeneta]

Duty, Honor, Country.

Thank you for your service.

[RushIsMyTeddyBear]

Happy retirement and thanks so much for your service!

[Cicero]

Thank you for your service and for your memories.

[Talisker]

Beautifully written. Thank you for your service to American freedom and congratulations on starting a long and highly enjoyable retirement!

[pabianice]

Well done, and welcome to the ranks of the retired U.S. military.

[napscoordinator]

Congratulations. Now life begins. Enjoy it! Thank you for your service.

[generally]

Thank you for your service!

Enjoy the next chapter in your life. You sound like someone who lives life to the fullest, so I have no doubt you’ll have a great time!

[MinuteGal]

This opus doesn't cover Free Republic, does it?

I hope not.

Thanks for your service to our nation.

Leni

[aMorePerfectUnion]

Did you work as a travel writer???

[sgtyork]

What richness of experience to savor. Congratulations on tasting it all as you went. Much good fortune in retirement.

[AbnSarge]

Travel writer? LOL, no, but if I write my memoirs, it will be titles “Sergeant Major, I Swear to G-D I’m Not Making This Sh75 Up!”