A Loss For Words

All I can say is that I'm at a loss for words.  A truly great Naval Officer has passed away.

"As the sun’s rays broke over the top of the eastern hills this morning, the military blogging community was coming to grips with the loss of a truly remarkable man. Retired Navy Captain Carroll LeFon, who was known to thousands by his “nom de blog” of Neptunus Lex, died when his Israeli-built F-21 Kfir single-seat fighter aircraft crashed at NAS Fallon at around 0915 yesterday morning."

I've followed Neptunus Lex for almost 7 years now, relying on his information and point of view to form my own.  His loss is a loss for not just the milblogger community, but for the blogger community as a whole.

I don't have the words to describe the loss felt.  Passing e-mails back and forth on various topics, Lex helped me start my blog with a link on his.  When I thought I was going to be sent to San Diego to live, he graciously sent me information on locations that I would like.  He was always there for a helping hand when I needed it, even though we never met in person.  When someone is willing to help a perfect stranger, you know you've met a quality individual.

Over at CDR Salamander, the eloquent CDR S sums it up well.

"A gentleman, officer, good stick, good writer, and just plain good man. Over the years, we would comment on each others blog now and then - and exchange emails much more to share ideas, pass off tips .... or now and then return to our original conversation. That was Lex; part blog buddie, part mentor, part philosopher, but a gentle professional always...

...the path that took him back to the aircraft. In a fashion, he died serving his nation as he knew best - in the cockpit. In life, on-line and off, he built a strong network of acquaintances and friends - that too speaks a lot for the man - and most of us are in the same place right now."

After retirement from active duty, Captain Carroll LeFon tried a couple different jobs, but the draw to aviation was immense.  After a short stint in private business, Lex put the flight suit back on to train the Fleet's aviators at NAS Fallon.  He flew aggressor aircraft as a contractor, training the new guys in the art and science of aerial combat.  He taught so that we would always hold the edge in naval aviation.

Prayers for his family...a wife, 2 daughters, and a son who followed in his father's footsteps as a naval aviator.

Fair Winds, Captain.  This world is less now.

"Going home, going home, I'm a going home
Quiet like, some still day, I'm just going home
It's not far, just close by, through an open door
Work all done, care laid by
Going to fear no more
Mother's there, expecting me
Father's waiting too
Lots of folks gathered there
All the friends I knew
Nothings lost alls gained
No more fear or pain
No more stubbling by the way
No more longing for the day
Going to roam no more

Morning star lights the way
Restless dream all done
Shadows gone, break of day
Real life just begun
There's no break, there's no end
Just a living on
Wide awake with a smile, going on and on
Going home, going home, I'm just going home
It's not far, just close by, I'm just going home

Nothing's lost, all is gain, no longing for the day
No more stumbling on the way
No more fret nor pain
Goin' home, goin' home, I'm a goin' home
Quiet like, still some day, I'm a goin' home

I'm just goin' home
I'm a goin' home"