CARING!

I would personally like to introduce someone, who I have come to know through our Veteran's Honorary Membership Program. Someone who has demonstrated his capacity to be understanding, and patient, when 'human life' presents its challenges; thusly changing objectives, agendas, and priorities. 'Bruz' (as he calls himself) has demonstrated to me over a period of some months, a person that is strong in character when believed it to be necessary; compassionate, when realizing its merit; and patient, in support of others who fight thru the barricades to meet their objectives ...for others.

A week or so ago, I asked Bruz for a brief rundown on his Life's Journey up until now, so that I could introduce him in a more personal manner to you. He replied with 8 or 9 typed lines which, if filled-in with details, I believe could probably be a seller on the 'Books List' for readers; and maybe, even a film. In brief, Bruz was born in 1934, in Minnesota USA, and has seemingly never lost that youthful spirit which drives us onwards, in our desires to accomplish that which we so desire to do. Those 'times' which challenged so many of America's Youngsters in seeking the right path to confront their present, and future, responsibilities... needs... and desires for themselves, and for those close to them. Bruz can relate to us the experiences of a youngster finishing high school and being faced with a challenge in a world most of us dread to even think about visiting. His first job, which he endured for a year, the iron ore mines. Obviously, a period of time which demanded from him a decision to move on in this World or to possibly become a bound part of the mines... until death knocked on his door. At least, these are my thoughts - if I place myself in his position. Many of us were drawn strongly towards the US Armed Forces, as being a solid approach to building foundations. Some, like Bruz, found a home and lifestyle which carried them through to military retirement. Bruz entered the United States Marine Corps in 1954 and spent a full twenty years in an organization I will never forget ... and I will always respect. I personally wore the Marine Uniform and lived its Spirit for only six years. During his service time, he served two full tours in the Vietnam Conflict, and time on an LPD in the Gulf of Tonkin.

Retirement? Maybe, many of us ex-Marines do not know the meaning of that word? Bruz followed-up with three years as a police officer; another ten years working for Uncle Sam; and is now a security-officer within the Sport's Arena building a parallel business at home, which will eventually become his full-time occupation. He has set goals to arrive at this 'Date' (Independence Day 2) and he is reaching them.

Sometimes destiny has a strange way of reaching its objectives. Bruz was introduced to the business he is becoming successful in, and which will provide him the opportunity to work happily and independently from home, by a friend who was his computer man in the Marines. Sadly, and unfortunately (as many Vets so decided), his friend ended his own life. Through my lifetime since exiting the Marines, I have been confronted with many (too many if only one) cases like these. I no longer see them as a life which ended; as I focus upon the Life they began and that continues on. We are not all meant to travel the full journey here in this physical garden; there are those, who have a special mission to carry, and ... to pass on: Life's Baton. I believe that Bruz's Friend did so also. And now, Bruz is running strong into Destiny's Horizon thanks to that hand-to-hand touch.