Amy thought it would be great to arrive on two wheels. She was right.

The Color Guard always looks good.
 

The buddy system at work. Now my MSM has a friend.

Amy receives her note of thanks from the COMDT.

Maria gets a "Thank You" from the Vice, Dad gets a hug.

Austin gets a "Thank You" from the Vice too.

Happy Family (Minus 1. Katie was on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to do hands-on archeology in Italy.) 

Dad presents retirement certificate.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shadow_box

My turn to say how thankful I am to be a part of the Coast Guard family, privileged to do what we do every day.

 Maybe?

I guess I'm doing okay if half the guys behind me have their eyes open. The chaplain was praying that I'd end soon.

Got to meet a girl I'd helped save 18 years earlier. Great way to end my career.

 Letter from her father that I read portions of is at http://simplydan.com/aviator/

She continues to be a part of the Coast Guard family - married to a First Class Petty Officer who also flies helicopters.

She continues to be a part of the Coast Guard family - married to a First Class Petty Officer who also flies helicopters. 

 It was such a blessing to meet the girl I hadn't seen since she was barely conscious in the back of my helo 18 years ago. She and her husband Mike -- a Coast Guard Petty Officer and flight mech -- were gracious enough to travel from Florida to provide a wonderful ending for my Coast Guard career. Thank you!

It was such a blessing to meet the girl I hadn't seen since she was barely conscious in the back of my helo 18 years ago. She and her husband Mike -- a Coast Guard Petty Officer and flight mech -- were gracious enough to travel from Florida to provide a wonderful ending for my Coast Guard career. Thank you!

That's a lot of 89-ers still on active duty.

Right behind me is my swab summer roommate, Marc.  It was great that we could attend each others' retirements at TISCOM.