We got to meet the ship's sponsor, Joan Shalikashvili, who is a really nice lady who came to visit the ship a few times. Her husband, who was the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, came with her. <a=href="http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/07/24/retired-army-gen-john-shalikashvili-dies/">He passed away this weekend,</a> and Mrs. S has my sympathy for her loss.
I will always remember how the General took the time to meet us all, and take a photo with us, and talk with us for a moment when I know there must have been a million other things (including some scandal popping up on an Army base) that he could have been doing instead. We were really nobodies--he could have spent his time with the senior folks and shipyard leaders and community leaders--but he gave us all a few minutes.
Fair winds and following seas, General. Thank you for everything.
