What a touching story! Really goes to show the sense of "family" the military has!
Chief, get ready for some big changes once you retire! Almost 6 years ago, I retired from the Air Force as a Master Sergeant after 22 years, and returned home to the coast of Maine. Entered the civilian work force a few months after retiring, and quickly was reminded of why I chose to stay in the military for all those years. What a bunch of whining, complaining, unmotivated, unreliable, back stabbing, cry-babies most of the people I work with are! Nothing like the troops I worked with, and I'm sure nothing like the sailors you're used to working with either! Good luck after your retirement, and thanks for serving!!!