I was different. I always marched to the beat of my own drum.
I survived a tough childhood and an often-repressive social environment to find a new family in the military in the early 1970s.
I evolved. I changed. I became someone else. I became me and not them.
I have since done and achieved many things in my life. This is my dedication.
To the military, who gave me the training and confidence to become far more than I was.
To all those with whom I served, I thank you for your leadership and comradeship.
To life in general for knocking me down and then making me get back up stronger.
To my most precious daughters and grandchildren, through whom I see the future.
To my most magnificent wife, Desi, who taught me how to love and gave me a whole new reason to live. 
I salute you all.