Thanks for remembering me.

When I was the Force Master Chief for SURFLANT, I did a Navy event with Ken Stabler, the great quarterback of the Oakland Raiders.  He is a real gentlemen and a supporter of our Military.  He is a giant of a man.  He looked so small on TV!!  He even passed his SUPER BOWL ring around so all could see and feel it.  It was quite a day.

A few years later, when I was a Tech Rep for NAVSEACENLANT, I ran into Mr. Stabler at the Mobile airport.  He was sitting quietly, at an empty gate, alone, waiting for his flight.   I walked over to him and introduced myself by way of my recollection of that special day he and I represented the Navy.  He remembered the event and we chatted a few minutes.  Then I wanted to give him back his quiet corner, so I made my apologies and prepared to depart.  He shook my hand and said: "Thanks for remembering me."  At the time, I thought that was a strange comment.  He was a SUPERBOWL winning quarterback.  He played for Bear Bryant in college.  He was on television as as football analyst!  How could anyone forget him?

Last week, I called an old friend's wife.  He has been gone for ten years.  I still miss him and I should call his widow more often.  After we had a long conversation, catching up on each others lives, I was preparing to hang up and she said; "You are the only one of Jim's Navy friends that keep in touch with me."  What a sad commentary.  

Call an old shipmate, friend, or friends widow today.  Visit them if you can.  Send them a hand written letter, or a card.  Let them know they are not forgotten.