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"

Ride On, Brother

Rest in peace, Amigo.

I'm going to miss you and your smile.  Wish I had a chance to shake your hand one more time.  Thanks for sharing your love of Harley's with me, and showing me and my family true friendship.


Look forward to riding together again one day.  Until then, this world down here is much less fun.

Happy New Year My Friends!

New Year's Eve is my favorite time of year.  I'm an introspective guy, and I like to look back and wonder what I did right, what I did wrong, and what I wish I had done.

And more importantly, what I have to be so very thankful about.

We live in a strange new world, Amigos.  We don't necessarily look upon the future with grand hope and optimism.  With that said, I believe what we need is a "reset".

Reset.  Let's try again in 2012.  When you think about it, isn't that what this holiday is about?  The "Big Reset"?  Take a look around.  Figure out what needs to be fixed.  Figure out if you can control what needs to be fixed...

...and then do it.

2012.  Who is John Galt?

As I always love to laugh, here's a little palate cleanser thanks to Hot Air.

It Was A Very Good Day

Good times and good friends.  And a good cigar...tasted even better leaving the IO.

Ol' Stompin' Ground

Except for the Case III comms on a clearly Case I day (let me guess...a layer at 2K), this is a pretty cool video.

Nice to see the Prowlers get some love, too!

Hat tip to Lex for the video.

Hello World

Try not to cry...I wasn't able to.

I think I found a new favorite band.  It's been a good weekend...lots of time to look around and love life.  There's plenty to be thankful for.

Was listening to my daughter's breathing as she was falling asleep tonight.  She was holding her stuffed "ducky" and sucking her fingers.  Is there anything so perfect?

I don't think so.

Thankful

I don't have enough minutes in the day to fully appreciate everything I'm thankful for this holiday.  I'm not really sure why we celebrate it with turkey, but I know "why" we celebrate it.  Because there's a helluva lot to be thankful for.

A lot.

Is your life tough right now?  Not sure what to be thankful for this Thanksgiving day?



Want to try again?  What is it you are thankful for?  Don't just shove turkey in your mouth.  Give yourself some time, and appreciate the things you have.

You have more than you think.

Sometimes life is not what you thought it would be.  Sometimes it just plain sucks.  Sometimes the wrong things happen to good people.  Sometimes you don't get rewarded for good behavior.  Sometimes you do the right thing and no one cares.  Sometimes you work hard and get nothing in return.  Sometimes you smile at people and get nothing but scorn in return.  Sometimes you get cheated.  Sometimes you make the wrong decisions.

Given this, is there still reason to be thankful?

While you're thinking on that subject, I'll be kissing my wife as she checks on the turkey, hugging my little girl as she laughs at "America's Funniest Home Videos", and tipping back a cold beer on a beautiful sunny day.  I may even go polish the chrome on the motorcycle.

I have my answer.  You?

Sacrifice

Sacrifice defined by Webster: "Surrender of something for the sake of something else; something given up or lost."

Defined by a parent:  Shortly after finding out that she was pregnant, Stacie Crimm found out she had cancer of the neck and head.  Chemotherapy could save her life...but could jeapordize the baby.  What to do?

Sacrifice.  Stacie decided the life of the child was more important than her own.  Stacie refused the chemotherapy.  She was able to hold little Dottie Mae for 3 hours before Stacie slipped into a coma.  Stacie died three days later.

When Stacie learned of the news of her cancer, she called her brother to relay the news.  When the subject came up about chemotherapy, she said, "If I have to make a decision, you know what it's going to be.  Don't even ask, I've lived my life."

Sacrifice defined.  Thank you, Stacie.

"Only a life lived for others is worth living."  - Albert Einstein