Tomorrow I turn 75. (No applause, please.) But feel free to buy my books. (See below!) I’ll autograph it on my birthday for you. Meanwhile, I’m very fortunate to be at this point. There were times, including prostate cancer 22 years ago, when I wondered if my time had run out. There were a few other close calls here and there. That happens in the course of military service. But by the grace of God, I survived. So here I am.
I don’t feel old. Yes, I move more slowly. Bedtime at 9:00 PM suits me well, but I normally awake at around 5:30 AM each day. Our yellow Labrador, Woody, provides a rousing incentive. He doesn’t bark, but does put his two front paws at the edge of the bed. If he could speak English, I’m sure he would say, “OK, time to get up and let me out.” Yes, I am grateful. He’s actually a very polite and patient dog.
Gone are the days of Army service, when I was almost always happy with soldiering. There were times when it was difficult. Particularly when I worked for highly disagreeable people, but that was infrequent over 28 years. I learned how to survive them, mostly by not falling prey to giving my boss a piece of my mind. It was tempting. Most of the folks I worked for in both the artillery and in my duties as a Foreign Area Officer were professional and willing to overlook my faults. I have many. But my fondest memory is recalling the artillerymen I served with. They were truly first-rate.
Artillerymen are a very fine breed of people. They are obsessively mission-focused and precise in what they do. I just finished writing a book about the artillery and its future in the wars ahead. I had the input of many former colleagues, some I served beside, some I served with contemporaneously, and others who served before or after me. In all, they were superb professionals. Writing about what they did and still do makes me feel a lot younger. We worked hard to do what we did to a high standard. That habit sticks with you, and it did when I went into politics months after I retired.
When I was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 2001, I did my best to apply the skills I learned as a soldier to my legislative duties. It was not a perfect fit. I soon learned how little I knew about governance. I also learned that while I could compel soldiers to do the right thing, that was not so easily accomplished with 99 other legislators, who had an equally clear vision of what they thought was the right way to proceed. In time, I learned it’s a lot easier to listen, learn, and persuade rather than demand compliance.
I would grow to deeply appreciate the associations I had in the General Assembly, particularly those who would be genuine friends and not just colleagues. Yes, I confess, the soldier in me prevails to this day. Looking back on the political phase of my life, I learned a lot about what is good and bad policy. We have a lot of the latter lately, politicians who think presiding over government shutdowns is leadership. It isn’t leadership. It’s idiocy. Others here in Virginia think it’s fair to gerrymander legislative districts in an obscenely partisan manner. That isn’t leadership. It’s a grotesque abuse of power. They make schoolyard bullies look like cherubs. Indeed, there’s nothing angelic about what they’re doing, quite the opposite (Vote “No” on 21 April).
At 75, I think about both of my careers, one as a soldier and the other as a small “s” statesman. Both were enjoyable in their own unique ways. Yet I found another pastime as a scribe of sorts. Having published two books and finished a third, I have found my calling. Writing. Indeed, this will be my 301st weekly missive. All of them have been cathartic for me. They give me a time each week to “get stuff off my chest.” Generally, they are well received. A loyal few will say so back in an email. Others will consume them quietly, and later—in person—will profess their approval. When people don’t agree, they will say so. Sometimes with a bit of caustic flair. I write on.
So, what of the next 25 years? What shall I do? To be sure, I will do my best to enjoy my family. (I am besotted with joy over our grandchildren.) And of course, I am blessed with the most wonderful wife, children, good friends, and a God who, despite my failings, never fails me.
I doubt I’ll make it to 100. But I was wrong about 75, thankfully.
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