If my memory serves me correctly, I could have sworn that the Capt said that he's lost two of his children in the past (I believe to cancer?). I hope that he's with them now.
After reading his posts, I was taken aback by his kind words he wrote to me in an email last year. He then included me in some (clean) jokes so I got to briefly see another side to him that he didn't show very often.
The Skipper and I rarely saw eye to eye as well. We had our share of differences and gripes at each other but in the end we'd always make peace and respect each other for the stances we'd made.
As bitter and grouchy as he seemed, I hope I could be half the officer and old Jarhead like him could be.
Originally posted by MarineVet32935: For those that didn't know, the Skipper was a "Mustanger". A Mustang Officer is one who rises up through the enlisted ranks and later receives a commission, as did the Skipper. Though I don't recall the circumstances of his commissioning, or what enlisted rank he held before that, I do know some of the Corps' finest officers were Mustangs.
Hank was firm, but fair, in his posturing and postings. Not one to back off an inch on anything he believed in and not one to withhold his thoughts and beliefs. Colorful? Like the proverbial rainbow. His musings will be missed here.
Attention!
Present Arms!
Two!
As you were!
Wayne, The Skipper was a MSgt when he was comissioned. He was in the process of getting everything in place as He and his wife Rita were informed that she had only about six months to live.
Rest in Peace Capt. Hank...
Semper Fidelis, GyB
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming---'WOW-What a ride'!"
Actually sorry to see him go, like so many others on this board. Makes ya relize that we truly are here for a relatively short time! We all may not agree, on many issues, but one thing is certain, we are all truly brothers and sisters and Hank did reinforce this many times!
RIP Hank, I know you requested a glow in the dark 'Kini pic in your casket!
I want people to party hard when I go! It's inevitable, we don't get out alive for sure....but it reminds us to live life fully 'cause the grim reaper awaits us all!
