Very early in my Navy career I was stationed in Norfolk VA near John (who was still on active duty). Even though we really didn't know each other well he "took me under his wing", showed me around, took me fishing, and generally befriended a young and bewildered kid who was overwelmed with the real world. Jump to many months later after I have completed a Medditeran Cruise on my first Navy ship, I am working on the Navy ship and this "long haired scruffy looking" guy comes up to me and starts talking to me. It's John, he is out of the Navy and working for a civilian contractor. Though his appearance has changed, John has not, he is still the same friendly outgoing person who loved life. Our relationship picked up where it left off as if nothing had changed unitl I transferred. This experience went a long way in cementing my beliefs in life: As life goes on you and your situations will change, how you react to these changes define who you are. John was instrumental in me developing the beliefs to live life to its fullest, be nice, and family is a gift to be cherished. He may no longer be with us physically, but his spirit will be with me forever. Bill Banks