Dale and Family, Please accept our condolences in the loss of your Father...Our DOC... One of the best memories Irene and I have of DOC and his Family is watching the 4th of July Fireworks from the balcony of their home on Eagle Mountain Lake. They most graciously offered us the best view one could ever have of this Celebration of Independence. This offer of viewing the fireworks from their balcony was just one of the many, many happy times we had with DOC. I joined the Flotilla in 2001 and immediately met and worked with DOC. Doing some of the things he did best for the United States Coast Guard...recruiting young High School Graduates for the United States Coast Guard Academy Introductory Mission (AIM). I remember many times we would split up our visits, he going one way, I the other to reach more of the potential Coasties. We would later get together and discuss our contacts regarding their qualifications. It was a tough job, especially with the world situation at that time...no one wanted to go to war. One evening in particular comes to my mind...we had set up a table in the foyer of a High School Auditorium where other Military Service Recruiters were engaged in conversations with Parents and Students alike. No one ever came to our table, ever. This did not discourage or stop DOC from continuing his AIM...he just swallowed his pride and went out the next day and had great sucess in speaking with several Candidates. The memories of DOC's boat, doing Safety Patrols on Eagle Mountain Lake, using his boat as a training facility for new Coxswain and just cruising the Lake...all of these things made me respect more the offerings that DOC had for his fellow man. Never ending, never tiring and never complaining about anything, DOC was great to be around. Just listening to his adventures on the water one could grasp the magnitude of his experiences. I remember quite well, as he would return from his summer visits, "up North" as he would say, of his fondness for his efforts with the United States Coast Guard. With all due respect DOC deserves all the recognition within the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary that befits one of the most dedicated members of D8CR-55. I understand he is soon to be bestowed a 20-year retirement Pin and Certificate by the United States Coast Guard, Coastal Region District Eight Commander, Captain Jim Montgomery. It has been a great honor to be associated with such a fine gentleman. We will surely miss him and his untiring efforts. May he rest in peace in the Seas of Heaven. Max A. and Irene Miller United States Coast Guard Auxiliary D8CR-55 Fort Worth, Texas Former Flotilla Vice-Commander KE7NSV 817 271-0354