Reflections

REFLECTIONS Dr. James E. Martin The year was nineteen sixty six, I decided it was time for a major fix. The war in Viet Nam was going strong, I knew that for me it wouldn’t be long. School deferment would soon be gone, A profession “new” I’d soon be shown. Rather than wait for a draft board call, A decision I would make without a stall. The Air Force seemed a better way, To the recruiter I went without delay. A plan I was shown that seemed real grand, That plan was known as the “buddy plan”. My buddy and I chose to give it a try, Before long we’d to all be saying goodbye. A career for me began way back then That thirty eight years later would come to an end. Looking back now after all these years, Feelings of gratitude routinely appear. Many changes had to be implemented, Changes that are still deeply cemented. It has now been more than half a century, Seems like each day there’s a brand new memory. Often I’m asked if I’d do it again, A positive answer I give without a spin. Next week marks the anniversary of that beginning day How quickly the time has passed away! Fifty one years – to some an eternity! Yet it is only yesterday to me. Thankful am I for the memories made, Thankful that the experience I didn’t evade. Thankful for the many lessons learned, Thankful for the honors and awards earned!