Chapter 2 - Friends

Unlike family, you can pick your friends. Do so, wisely.

I have traveled the world over and associated with thousands of people. The Marine Corps is a close knit group, so you can't help but to get fairly close with guys. But I never made many real friends. Craig Wallace and Dennis Chaney were childhood friends that I still maintain an email association with. Mike Devine and Jon Byrd were Coastguardsmen, they are still long distance friends. Mike McGee and Keith Montgomery were fellow Gunnery Sergeants and are some other long distance friends. Morris Whitfield was the first civilian friend I ever had. A very good friend until his death a couple years ago. Kelly Murphy started out as a co-worker, but turned into a hunting partner and my closest friend.

Don't be too quick to dissolve a good friendship over life changes. Paths will almost certainly go different directions. But a true friend, someone you want to tell about a good hunt, will always appreciate sharing your experiences with you, no matter how many miles are between you or behind you.