Giving Back

    This is something I should have posted about a long time ago.  A while back I was offered an opportunity I couldn't refuse.  A friend of mine at Camp Lejeune, NC (the biggest and most important Marine Corps base on the east coast) called and asked if I would be interested in working with the Wounded Warrior Battalion at Camp Lejeune.  Lemme stop here and give you some background.
    When I was a little, future kayaker my daddy was in the Navy, he was a SeaBee.  Because of this and a strong sense of patriotism I went to college with the sole purpose of getting a degree and attempting to enter the Navy as an officer.  Well, that didn't happen 'cause the Navy said I was a bad boy in high school, and I was.  My pride and honor for those who serve has never diminished in the 25 years since then although most of my political views have changed dramatically with age, education and wisdom(?).  One of my strongest views is that the village idiot from TX that used to be our president sorely used our service members. 
    And now I have a chance to possibly improve the lives of some of those who have given so much. Well, I jumped at the chance, set up an interview and took the job without asking what the pay was. For almost two years now I have proudly been the kayak coach to the Wounded Warrior Battalion East detachment at MCB Camp Lejeune!
     I've paddled many miles with my Marines since then and I've never stopped being grateful for the opportunity.  I will never forget nor let other Americans forget the depth of gratitude and honor that we owe these men and women!