My dad and mom recently retired, after thirty-five years of being a fighter pilot, from the United States Air Force. To honor them, I gave a toast at the retirement party and read a poem, I wrote, titled "One More". To celebrate and remember my words, I've put my toast and poem below.
May I have a few minutes of everyone's time. I'd like to toast my mother and father. To begin I'll share a poem. One that I've tried to write many times, but only found the right words for today. It's titled "One More"
Just one more chance, one more,
To see the ground out my canopy,
To hear the engines roar as I vault into the sky.
Just one more chance, to feel the trigger before putting rounds on target.
Just one more opportunity, one more,
To follow in the footsteps of heroes,
To lead the patriots of this country.
Just one more opportunity, to defend our freedom.
Just one more day, one more,
To sit in the cockpit,
To salute and revel in the company of the airmen I lead.
Just one more day, to serve this great country.
Just one more, which really isn't that much, is all I ask for.
So dad, I gander you will always ache for just one more. The last thirty-five years or your and mom's story has largely been defined by those items and the direction the Air Force has sent you in;thus, the ache is to be expected. However, tonight we are not here to ache over the past chapters of your story. Rather we are here to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in your and mom's story. A chapter where you two are the author and editor. That's right no longer is our government your editor.
So here is to my hero and heroine. I, we, your friends, family, and parents are proud of you. Now go start your new chapter in your dream home.
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