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This speech was my farewell talk to the men and women of the Naval Security Group. The things I spoke about revolved around taking care of your people, courage, honor and commitment although I never articulated these points directly.
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First of all, I would like to thank all of my family, friends and shipmates for attending this ceremony today. Particularly, Al Bahr, Sharon's dad, who came in from California; Cindy and French Michaud, who made the flight from Hawaii, can you believe that they would leave Hawaii?; Rick and Janet Kinison; from Maryland, who I knew from the wonder years in Edzell from 91 to 95; and Emily and Charlie Austin, who also made the drive from Maryland. I first met Emily at Great Lakes in 1974 and Charlie in Pensacola. Theirs is an "A" school marriage. You know, ‘it will never last.' Charlie and Em have three pretty much grown boys after 23 years of marriage. Charlie and I watched Emily's pregnancy with Jeb in Edzell, never once daring to laugh. Your attendance means a lot to me.
Thanks to CAPT Peyronel and CDR Markam for taking time to help make my send-off a special one. And, although I won't be able to thank everyone, I would be remiss if I didn't mention a few names. Ottis Nelson spent numerous minutes working up the program and organizing this entire event. Ted Burger did a wonderful job building my Texas shadow box and Tiny Williams's efforts have also paid off. LT Keller has found his place in life being a Master of Ceremonies and if you ever need a true friend and confidant, get to know LTJG Currie-McGhee. The folks that helped make my retirement celebration, pig roast and memorial golf tournament a reality - I just can't say thank you enough. There's probably more people involved in making today special for Sharon, Becky, Nick and me than I know so please consider yourself thanked. I realize that I've missed many of you. Please forgive my oversight. But I will mention a group of people - Matmen. Throughout my entire career, maintenance folks have tended to step up and take responsibility. I know, not every matman steps up and sometimes other, non maintenance types, will step up. But by and large, I am extremely proud of my matmen, both male and female. CAPT Peyronel: I have a small presentation for you. This is somewhat of an inside joke which, if you haven't attended the weekly operations brief, you may not understand. But, for the others, I would like to give CAPT Peyronel this Casualty Report Cancellation, the final act of the Goehring legacy. This means that I can safely transfer to the fleet reserve. (Present CASCAN to Commanding Officer) Today marks the end of one era and the beginning of another one. I will always remember the friends I have made and the Sailors I have influenced. The Navy allows you to have many different opportunities. You can make decisions which will impact your career. I will not bore you with stories about my career, nor will I attempt to tell you how to run your life or career. However, I will let you in on a little bit of history and some self-analysis. Without realizing it, my career and, specifically, this ceremony have centered around the Maintenance Dragon. He first appeared in the early 70's in the nightmare of an alcoholic. This mat person dreamed about the dragon running after him with a flat tip screwdriver and a PSM-5 multimeter. He gave up all alcohol that day but brought the idea of a maintenance symbol into being. Now, we all know that dragons are mythical creatures. But they do have some characteristics about them that I now realize that I share. The first characteristic is that dragons have a cache of gold, silver and jewels and they guard their horde continually. My gold, silver and jewels are my Sailors. I happily display my Sailors to others but zealously guard against them being abused or stolen away. And, as with silver, they may become occasionally tarnished. All that is needed to make them shine again is a little polishing. And, as with jewels, occasionally the gem becomes separated from the setting. With a little effort, the jewel can be repaired to look as good as new again. Another characteristic of dragons is their power. Any single dragon can be slain, but when working together, dragons are invincible. If we work with people, not through them or around them, we can accomplish almost anything. The mission is taken care of properly and we can all go home at night knowing we made a difference. But, the dragon's power can also be abused. I charge each of you learn the difference between right and wrong in the application of that power and never misapply it. Ladies and gentlemen, I am a dragon. For my entire career, I have tried to be fair, just, innovative, creative. I have always tried to do my best at any job I have ever been assigned. I would like those dragon characteristics assumed by all of you. But, in particular, I would like the following individuals to come forth.
Let me begin by saying that this particular selection process was extraordinarily difficult. These folks are very deserving and meet every criteria ever set by the Navy for advancement to their next rank. But there are many others who also meet those criteria. I agonized over who I would pass my anchors to up until last night because there are so many good, ready candidates. But each one of these Sailors has already proven to me that they are ready for the next rank and understand the responsibilities. First, my chief anchors. They have been passed down from at least 5 chiefs before me. They have belonged to Marv Hagedorn, Bill McHale, Phil Gist and Master Chief Whitbeck. Please take them, you have earned them. And hopefully, you will be wearing them soon. (Present CPO Anchors to Petty Officer Brooks) Next, my senior chief anchors. The history on these is not quite as impressive. They were given to me by Senior Chief Bob Hall. I hope you put these on next month. (Present SCPO Anchors to Chief Burger) Finally, the master chief anchors. I am the first to wear these; I would be honored if you would accept them, wear them and pass them down in the future. (Present MCPO Anchors to Senior Chief Michaud) You three are hereby charged to be the DRAGON. Polish your Sailors. Pick up the pieces and put them back together when your Sailors need it. Do not hesitate to follow regulations, orders and your conscience when dealing with your people. Do not blindly follow; rather create the path to the future. DISMISSED Sharon told me that I couldn't say anything about her today. I will observe her wishes. I won't say anything about how she enabled me to succeed in the Navy. My daughter, Rebecca, continually surprises me; first, with her athletic abilities and second, with her remarkable intelligence. I would like to present you both with a token of my appreciation and love. (Give flowers to Rebecca and Sharon) Nicholas. Well, son, I have a special place for you also. But I'm not going to give you any flowers. Rather, I have a flag that was flown at NSGA Northwest on 9 September and 2 October 1997. Those dates are the birthdays of Rebecca and Sharon. (Give shadow box to Nicholas) In closing, I would like to remind you all of the power of the dragon. It can be the most powerful creature around and it can be the most gentle. 60 Department is hereby secured for the rest of the day. Captain, I ask that you consider giving ropeyarn to the rest of the base for this afternoon. Thank you.
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