40 Valentine’s Days Ago

End of Florida Phase Ranger School

February 1973.  Finished the Florida Phase of Winter Ranger.   I’m actually happy in that photo.  Over 300 started and under 100 graduated.  Lost weight, got frost bite and trench foot – ready to move on the 82nd Airborne Division.  War in Vietnam was called off in January.  So, I can’t follow COL (RET), USMA 62, Tom Foley to Vietnam to serve as an advisor.   Not gonna happen.

Classmates and Ranger Buddies Graduate

After graduation, there was a party.  My girlfriend threw a Valentine’s Day Party.   She was my Valentine then.  She is my Valentine – and I am hers – tonight.   We got married a little over 2 years after she told me not to take this picture.

“Don’t take my picture now..”