Someone please pipe me over the side....

Colleges and Universities A-Z Naval Academy - Annapolis
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<p>"Dean and I have a lot in common. About the same size. We both like horses, like golf. Of course, we both made a lot of movies. Only difference is, I knew when to quit." - Ronald Reagan</p>

<p>This has been coming for a while, now... </p>

<p>When I first came here almost two years ago I was eager to help in whatever ways I could and had all the time in the world to do it. I made a good number of online friends, some of whom I even had the pleasure to meet in person. I posted what I knew and what I thought I knew, and defended that which I believed needed defending. I learned to look at things differently, argue more effectively, and was even persuaded to reconsider some things. Such is life in a forum.</p>

<p>Time passed and circumstances changed. I have found myself spending less time here due to other commitments, and being far more careful in answering questions simply because a lot has changed at USNA since the good ol' days, a fact that has been rightfully pointed out to me more than once.</p>

<p>But today came the realization that not just USNA has changed, but the Navy has as well, so much so that I doubt I'd recognize much of it anymore. Reporting for duty as a DIVO without SWOS first? Huh? DCA's are now second-tour billets only? Say again? Have things changed THAT much? </p>

<p>I felt much like what a 16th-Century Indian from Manhattan Island would feel like if he was suddenly dropped in the middle of Central Park and asked if he recognized the place. Yeah, it's the same place, but... :eek:</p>

<p>Call it the straw that broke the camel's back. I had been considering backing out simply because of the constraints of time, but this little incident made me conclude that maybe there were also other reasons to call it quits.</p>

<p>I have been honored by the friendship and confidence of so many members here, and it has been a pleasure to frequent this forum, even during the darker times. I recognize that I have been both an asset and a liability to the place, but I hope I've helped more than I've hindered.</p>

<p>So, in closing, permit me to offer some final tidbits:</p>

<p>To the candidates: Go for it! I can tell you one thing that no amount of time can change: IT IS ALL WORTH IT. Trust me, all the BS you put up with to get in and all the other BS you put up with to get through and graduate is WORTH IT. Hang in there and don't take "no" for an answer. The only person who can stop you is the one staring back at you from the mirror.</p>

<p>To the parents: If your kid is even remotely qualified to attend USNA, then that alone should be a source of immense pride for you. You have raised a real winner, and they'll be OK whether they go to USNA or not. The simple fact that they are willing to apply speaks volumes for your efforts and sacrifices to get them to where they are now. Bravo Zulu. :)</p>

<p>To the current Mids: I love you guys, and I am both proud and jealous of you. You really have no idea just how good you have it; all the options and opportunities in the world are spread out before you on a platter. PLEASE take advantage of it! STUDY! HARD! Chase your dreams, earn your commission, and serve with honor. You'll be forever glad and proud you did! I thank you for your commitment to serve, and will ensure my children appreciate it, too.</p>

<p>So there it is. </p>

<p>Many of you already have my phone number and/or e-mail, and I am always available to you if you so desire. I will be remaining at the other site, but mostly to help keep the place going. So, if for some bizarre reason you should want to get a hold of me, you know where to look.</p>

<p>It's been a hell of a ride, but I need to get off now. </p>

<p>My God richly bless you all, and yes, I do mean ALL of you.</p>

<p>GO NAVY! BEAT ARMY!</p>

<p>Zaphod out...</p>

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<p>Sorry to see you go, Z.</p>

<p>Are you going to be stopping by every now and then, or is this pretty much it?</p>

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<p>Read my email. Plus I have an old Bosun's pipe on my desk. Can pipe you over the phone :D</p>

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<p>Thank you, Zaphod....you will be missed.</p>

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<p>Although man can never change the time and tides, an old salt as you is always valuable and would be so very missed. I grant you a 30 day leave chit, and UNODIR you are to return to duty at that time. :)</p>

<p>Shipmates and Friends
Thank You for Everything
Mike</p>

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<p>Zaphod-</p>

<p>You have held my hand through so much and now I have to let it go? Thank you, my friend, for helping me, my son, and countless others. You are a man among men, but most of all, a gentleman.</p>

<p>Thank you.</p>

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<p>:( :( :( :( :(</p>

<p>for once- speechless....</p>

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<p>What??!! Z - Don't go!
What would CC be without you?! Besides, there are more candidates on the way - they'll need you!</p>

<p>As someone who joined CC about the same time you started posting, I have to say thanks for all the spirited debates, as well as informative & insightful posts. You have been invaluable - we printed up several of your earlier posts & I'm sure it helped DS have some idea what he was getting into. That is priceless. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts...</p>

<p>Guess I'll have to get my account activated on that other site - I'll be there to provide back-up if/when it gets "political" - haha! (Not that you need it!).</p>

<p>Still hope our paths cross one day - we missed out at PPW last year - but I saw the pictures - guess that will have to do for now.</p>

<p>Anyway, we send lots of love & good wishes for all your future endeavors. Don't be a stranger around here!</p>

<p>Cheers! (and BZ!)</p>

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<p>Z, I don't post very often but you have made more of difference with your helpful posts than you would ever know. Folks like me who sit back and take it all in really get resounding peace from you. I would hope that you will continue as much as you can with your continuing help with all who have a stake in a Service Academy success. Your thoughts, encouragement and wit have given and will continue to give us something to lean on. Stick around-your needed at both places!</p>

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<p>Ciao Zaphod! CC has its therapeutic value doesn't it? So glad you're happy again.</p>

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<p>Zaph----you wont be able to resist........Im going to tease you back out with another great topic............:)</p>

<p>Keep in touch, friend!!!</p>

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<p>zaphod,</p>

<p>Not cold turkey! </p>

<p>You started on the Navy board, then joined the SA parents board. Then moved up into the world and began posting on the WP board. I, too, think it will be a hard addiction to break. You've been a lot of fun and provided a lot of support an information. Thank you.</p>

<p>Okay, see you on the other forum. I think we're not really saying good-bye.</p>

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<p>Z ... we've requisitioned appropriate ribbon to be worn on Memorial Day for your courageous, unrelenting service to so many here on. Like your many posts and a sunburned zebra, it's black and white and red all over ... as it's a rose colored pink with zebra-like stripes running top to bottom.</p>

<p>Thanks for your kind, thorough and always entertaining wisdom and leadership. You should take comfort in being assured that a great many young people, my offsprung among them, who are sweating like pigs on a spit this very day in the Annapolis humidity and heat thanks to your encouragement, guidance and counsel. :confused: :eek: While they may not be fully certain as they do so, be assured of their gratitude as well as their parents'.</p>

<p>Breakaleg and best wishes in your new adventures. 3 cheers to Zaphod, as he ventures on ahead. </p>

<p>hip-hip ... hip-hip ... hip-hip</p>

<p>May God make your path straight and smooth.</p>

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<p>Z--Say it ain't so! We'll miss your advice, insight and humor.</p>

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<p>Arrrrrggg. Who will talk to me in Pirate on 'Talk Like a Pirate Day' now? Go get him Shogun. I can't keep proper perspective without a Z view. </p>

<p>Z - Officer on deck!</p>