I went to a retirement ceremony today for CWO Darryl Donovan, a man I've known for almost 30 years and went to RM school with before most of you were born.
The ceremony was at TISCOM, Captain Ritter had great remarks, and CWO Frank Hesson, also retired, was the master of ceremonies. The silent drill team perfomed with flawless execution.
As I was sitting there soaking in all that I left two years ago, as well as some righteous sunshine, I couldn't have been more honored to be invited and to watch one of my best friends move on to his next career. Not a tear was shed like you'd see in other ceremonies. Darryl has always had an infectious good humor and that was the spirit of the entire event.
As I ate a barbecue sandwich at the reception and talked with people, both retired and still active, I couldn't have been more proud of what the Coast Guard does, and specifically how the IT rating has evolved over the last 5 years. There's the Coast Guard family, and there's you guys, taking IT farther and better than I could have ever imagined.
I know it's a corny thing to say, and I'm not your dad or anything, but I'm proud of Darryl's accomplishments, and I'm also proud of all of you who continue to serve, whether you are active duty, retired, contractor, whatever.
