An extremely proud 25-year veteran of the United States Coast Guard--you know that outfit that is frequently forgotten as a member group of our OUTSTANDING United States Armed Forces. My compliments to the Master Chief--but for the offer of a commission early in my career would have gone I! I guess, based on your dad's age, he was one of the first Master Chief's in the Navy after the E-8 and E-9 billets were implimented in the late '50's. LMK. I had the pleasure of serving with a first E-9 QM promoted in the U.S. Coast Guard. He never got used to referring to himself as "Master Chief". He always referred to himself as "Chief"--which, in those days, was the ultimate enlisted rank.

May I ask all to remember Memorial Day, Monday, May 29th. Fly your flag and let your community know that you care about our departed veterans.