Final "Final Out" today.

I woke up this morning and went through a routine that I'm familiar with after 25 years in the Army. But this morning was different. This morning is the last morning that I'll go through this particular routine. Today is my final "final out" from the Army. It was a surreal feeling this morning, putting on my uniform, socks, and boots, knowing that I'd never repeat this routine again, ever.

I was confident that I wouldn't be effected, mentally, by my retirement. But this morning I was proved wrong when old and not so old memories of my time in service came flooding over me like a tsunami. Jobs, friends, assignments, deployments, pains, fears, hopes, excitements, and joy were among the many thoughts and emotions I felt in a split second. My dad warned me of this happening. He was right, again. As I'm sure he experienced the same thing in 1986 when he probably had the same experience.

25 years. A quarter century. How could I be so silly to think this wouldn't effect me some how?

To the 99% of the American public who have never worn a uniform, thank you for allowing me this opportunity to serve and lead your mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, aunts, uncles, and cousins, some of the finest Americans I've ever met.

To my brothers and sisters-in-arms, past and present, it has been MY PLEASURE AND HONOR to have served for, with, and over you.

May God richly bless you and keep you healthy and safe.

HOTCHOW.....OUT