A Morning in Washington

I'm here. Here is the illustrious Newport Chalet at the Naval Station in Newport, Rhode Island. This hotel (laugh) is my home for the next 33 days. It'll work. Anyway, I'm safe and sound but worn out from travel. I just briefly wanted to share my Friday morning with you.

With no pressure to reach stop 2 (Matt Kavanagh's in Roseland, NJ by 6 pm), I had hours to spend away from I 95. When I woke up Friday morning I knew there was only one thing I wanted to do that morning: visit my friend. My friend resides in a special place. His address: 1 Memorial Drive, Arlington, Va.

Friday I spent an hour or so with Joe, just thinking about him, remembering him, talking to him, praying, reflecting. Enjoying a quiet moment. It had downpoured that morning, but I enjoyed a crisp, rain-free visit. Joe was a special friend. We instantly hit it off as friends because our upbringings were remarkably similar in discipline, faith, school, etc. We just sorta knew each other well from the beginning.

Joe died serving his country. He was a special pilot, a better friend, and a devoted father. He was a champion for his family until his dying breath.

I miss Joe every day.

Finally I said bye to Joe and hopped in my car. Still had time. I decided to play it safe and head North to Matt's.  A few miles down the road I saw a familiar exit, Highway 50 East. I instinctively took it and headed for my second detour of the day: Annapolis.

Annapolis is a special place for me. It's just a special place period. Unshaven beard and all, I drove onto The Yard, found a parking place, and quietly, inconspicuously made my way to Memorial Hall, weaving between Midshipmen strolling to their 1300 classes.There, too, in venerable Memorial Hall, Joe is now honored. His name is etched along the finest collection graduates to die in service to this nation.

4 2002 classmates have died serving

I hear Don Calkin's voice even now. He was my Plebe Summer detailer. He dragged our squad into Memorial Day one afternoon in between training events...There he lectured our squad on Memorial Hall, the seriousness of what we were there to do, to become. It was an impressionable speech that has stuck with all of us from the squad. And here, so many years later, I find another name. My friend's name. Joe's name etched forever, memorialized.

 This picture probably doesn't do Memorial Hall justice. It's awe-inspiring. You walk in to a breath-taking room where fellow alumni who have made the ultimate sacrifice our honored. You're just silent. Without being told you're humbled to silence.

Another view

Finally, when I was leaving, I observed this easel displayed at the bottom of the stairs that lead up to Memorial Hall. I must have missed it entering.

It's hard to read, but it says that a 2006 graduate, a young Marine Captain, was killed 19 January in  Afghanistan. So his name will be go up by Joe's.

It was a wonderful visit with Joe. It's important for all of us to reflect and honor the fallen. I miss Joe all the time. Remember the Mark Garners, the Joe Houstons. They were great men who served with honor and a smile. We all need a reminder, especially those of us serving, grinding, toiling...it means something to wear the uniform: wear it with honor. Cherish it all. it's a nasty business, and it can be gone instantly. I hope I can serve with the joy, integrity, and smile that Joe did.

Continue to rest in peace, my brother. Many of us continue the watch, and we always remember, honor our fallen. We honor you, Joe.