Ah, Wil, it seems like only yesterday when a youngster fresh out of the Navy and reeking of stale beer walked into our ASM shop in San Diego and began spinning a sad tale of woe about no longer having a rating and wanting to become a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. The guys in the shop took you under their wings and you were a perfect fit from the first round of quality beers at Dick's Last Resort.
Now word on the street is you are finally giving up your crown as the number one AST dairy farmer in Kodiak (title given to one who's MILKED an island tour for as long as you have, mate...) It's about time.
You had the fortune to take part in some pretty good rescues over the years:
(Wil and survivor dog after Wil finally subdued puppy with rolled up Rescue Swimmer Manual and left over MRE's...)
As a member of our Ninja Kodiak night crew, you were a key team player who assisted with the "reaquisition" of over 500 cans of soda from the unsuspecting C-130 crews...
(Those other photos of this black ops mission are not suitable for publication on this forum for moral reasons)...
Congratulations on your retirement, Wil. The AST community is losing a quality pair of fins, my friend. We wish you and Deb all the best as you leap over to this side of the fence and begin your future plans. Well done, my friend.
We look forward to seeing you and Deb sometime soon in Alaska. I look forward to sharing a fine ale and some good ol' school stories with you when we meet up again. God bless you, mate.
