Since this is the Anything Drawer…I have been grinning all morning. One of my former flag officer bosses called me yesterday, wants to meet up for lunch with DH and me today. He is back at USNA for his 70th reunion! They are doing a class Zoom today for those who couldn’t travel. We hadn’t heard from him in a few years and had kept on eye on the USNA “Shipmate” alumni obits. There is nothing better than getting together with former shipmates, friends, bosses, etc., you served with, who want to see you and remember good times and bad times. The ties among veterans are strong, it’s instant “yes, of course, let me adjust my schedule and we’ll come get you at the reunion hotel and go to lunch.” It doesn’t matter how many years ago we saw or spoke to a shipmate (wingman, battle buddy). It’s instant, it’s natural, it’s lifelong, it’s what makes you say “would do it all again, even the crappy parts.” This man was a pioneer in many ways, but he never failed to gather up others along the way and help them.