Friday, October 11, 2013
I first met Dave at Laredo AFB, TX. We were young 1st Lts assigned as Instructor Pilots. It was at one of our mandatory formal Dining-in functions that I discovered just how much Dave loved his Univ of Kentucky "Wildcat" basketball team. The formal dinner portion had barely concluded, when I encountered him sneaking out the door of the Officers Club, headed for the parking lot. I asked why he was leaving so early and he replied that he was not leaving but headed to his car to listen to the 2nd half of the Kentucky vs Texas Regional playoff. This game would determine who was headed to the "Final Four". I sat with him, listening on his car radio as his Wildcats defeated Texas. Only then could we return to the Club where he could celebrate their victory!
After Laredo, we went our separate way, but you never forget really great friends. We never lost contact with each other and were able to get together from time to time. Each time that Vern & Scotty were able to sit down with Dave & Barb to share a meal or sip a glass of wine, we seemed to pick up right where we left off after our last meeting.
I will miss my old friend and our friendly wagers each time my Univ of Arizona "Wildcats" went head to head with his Kentucky "Wildcats".