This past weekend was my official Navy retirement ceremony after 31 years of service. We had a whole weekend schedule of events - starting with a round of golf for me and my son and daughter. My son is also now serving in the Navy. I am a retiring Captain and he is now an Ensign and about to leave for his first Submarine after completing Sub Officer School and Nuclear Power training. This is our last two weeks together as a family for many more months.

We were playing Sweetbriar Golf Club - the 13th hole of the Legacy course. I teed off first - using a #2 red Titleist TruFeel ball, and my deceased father-in-law’s Adams 9 iron which I had re-gripped last year. I knew I hit it straight and watched the ball bounce 2-3 times before seeing - and hearing - it “plunk” into the cup and hit the pin. I stared for a second - then screamed as my son was picking me up and shaking me and my daughter ran over from her cart. What a great way to start my retirement weekend celebration!!