My Air Force career started in 1979. I was part of the military transformation from the Carter shell to Reagan might. I may have been too young to comprehend Ronald Reagan's greatness at the time but now I'm old enough to understand what a wondrous time that was to be alive and to be commanded by the very best. If nothing else, I get to say that I served during Ronald Reagan's two terms.
He is one special individual. I always wanted to meet him. Maybe on the other side...
My Navy service was parallel to yours. I joined right out of high school in '79, and the election of '80 was the first in which I was eligible to vote. I'm proud to say that I voted for one of one of the greatest presidents in American history, and that I was a part of the fighting force that gave muscle to his determination to see the fall of communism.
Mr. President, you may go to your eternal reward knowing that those of us who served under you will never forget you, nor will we allow our children and grandchildren to do so.