The 2019 Christmas Letter

The year just past was one of researching, writing, traveling, reading, the occasional event, and sometimes nothing at all. It was filled with family, friends, and fun. The latter being activities that have in common that they're done for my own enjoyment and little else. You know, what the wealthy and me – retired guy over seventy – can get away with. The kids not so much, they've been doing important stuff. You know, the things you actually get paid to do. Here's a review.

In January I traveled to Minnesota for Christmas with Heather and Hailey, including the opportunity to be in the gallery for Heather's En Banc oral argument before the Minnesota Supreme Court. It was the start of a year of travel – more than I had intended. In March the racing buddies of the last century had a Florida reunion at Super Sebring, the weekend including the 67th 12 Hours of Sebring, and a ten-hour World Endurance Championship race. Later in the year we lost one of our group – we're that age when we can't afford to miss such opportunities.

With other Veterans of D Company 1/12th Cavalry, I visited the National Archives in April – my 5th trip – continuing to “build out” Delta's history. August was anther family trip to Minnesota, a Heather-sponsored “family vacay,” that included 42nd Street at the Ordway and a Twins game. Later that month Linda and I drove to Colorado Springs for the 74th Annual Reunion of the 101st Airborne Division Association. On the way we stayed with niece Ann and family in Albuquerque; coming back we explored Taos. October was a reunion (our 4th) of D Company 1/12th Cavalry for whom I am the tresurer and edit a quarterly newsletter, at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Heather, Courtney, Ashley and families were here in Arizona for Christmas. Linda and I ended this busy year in Henderson, Nevada at my sister Barb's Annual "New York New Year" party (appropriate to the age of the revelers, over at 9 PM local time), and (her) Birthday Party. We stayed a day into the New Year to see "Mystere" at Treasure Island.

Heather served her 5th year as a Minnesota Assistant Attorney General.

Significant Other Matt Schmit is a high school principal. Hailey's in first grade, as is Matt's daughter Siri. In fact, they share a birthday! Partners in crime. Big Sister Olivia is 13, a basketball player, and more.

In June Courtney moved on from Fort Bragg to take command of the garrison at Carlisle Barracks/Army War College in Pennsylvania. Dave relinquished command of his Patriot battalion to start Army War College in the same place. Courtney's 

 first book will be published by Fordham University Press in March. Both are being considered for promotion to colonel (O6) this year. Olivia is a busy 10-year-old once again in a new school.

Ashley changed jobs within the Human

Services Department of the State of Illinois, now teaching policy and procedure within the department. Caroline was promoted to Creative Director and Digital Manager at the University of Illinois, Chicago College of Business Administration.

We're all thankful for another wonderful year and wish all of you the best in the year ahead.