It was a early spring day when the Ulysses S. Grant, SSBN 631, left Portsmouth, NH after 5 years in refurbishment.  Senior Chief Thompson and LT. Jimenez were topside finishing the rigging submergence.  Despite being tethered to the deck, the rough 12 foot waves swept both men off their feet.  They dangled along the superstructure of the submarine.  LT Jimenez’s line was cut and he was quickly rescued by a rescue boat, while Senior Chief Thompson was cut free and went into the water.  His body was never recovered.

 

These men were my friends.  Senior Chief was everyone’s father.  He encouraged everyone.  His personality and work ethic helped everyone to do better.  LT Jimenez knew no enemy.  He was proud of his family and shipmates.

 

This weekend I will stop and give the Good Lord thanks for their influence on my life.  The laughter, fun times, and bad times, I will give thanks.  I will never forget them.  Everyone who knew them will never forget them.

 

Stop this weekend, in the midst of the BBQ, games, boating and camping and give God thanks for those men and women who sacrificed there lives for your ability to have freedom.