That was a great read Norm, it's nice to see a little personal background of our FReeper FRiends. Sounds like ya done good and thanks for your service in the Marines.
I particularly wanted to point out that the following three paragraphs which are sadly so true and extremely critical to this countries future right now.
" Yet, we are also encumbered by a millstone of a government that has in some if not most ways lost touch with what this nation originally was founded for and that is to nourish its people and help them to grow free and string, unafraid of the future and what lies ahead."
"FRankly, I don't like what I see today, a once proud nation is chastened by its allies and enemies alike, accused by many of its own citizens of not doing enough by some and doing too much by others."
This nation is divided like it hasn't been since the Civil War and in need of unity when it is under attack like never before.
Funny how an opus brings the snakes out from under their rocks.