Monday,
9/7/98
Fixed slow leak in the Blazer's
left rear. Packed, loaded the car, took the boy up to his other grandparent's
and then set out for the last week of Club Fed. Mom and Dad followed
in their car. Got them settled in their motel, went to dinner, brought
them here to the resort and showed them the joint. Took them back
up to their place and came back. Unpacked, put clean sheets on my
bed for the last time. Whattcha think? Think I'm going to miss
the place? We'll see.
Tuesday,
9/8/98
After a good night's rest,
it was time to get up and take it easy for the first part of the morning.
Eff Comm was e meloncholy time. We said our farewells, presented
our "Facilitator", LtCol (USMC retired) Jim Vance, with a token of our
appreciation. One heck of a man. Like a couple of us have said,
"He's unlike any Marine we've ever met." Some time in the CBT (check
out the PICTURES from the Chemical Agents Range).
No 1PM class. Final PT at 3PM. Shaved 41 seconds off my run
time, did 13 more sit-ups in the allotted time, almost double the push-ups
from the first week. Not bad. Dinner with the Parents and found
a receiver to replace the one at my house. Back at Club Fed around
8:30PM. Studied for Legal final and then had a final drink with friends
out at the "Grove". You can tell things are winding down here.
Wednesday,
9/9/98
Shouldn't have stayed out
at the "Grove" as long as I did last night. But was a good time.
Legal final was okay. No word on the grade until tomorrow.
Graduation practice from 10AM to past noon. Quick trip into D.C.
for a tour of the FBI Lab and Hoover Building. Parents went too.
Hans Ebner and his wife were also there. Hans is from Austria.
Then back down to Academy, picked up Igor and dinner at the Globe and Laurel.
Nice meal! Igor and Dad talked about tanks and the different militaries.
Interesting contrasts. Then, of course, coffee at Gargoyles.
Probably the last one while I'm here. What a shame. Need to
pack some more STUFF. No more khaki pants and FBINA shirts.
They can ALL be packed. Roomy went to National and picked up his
daughter this afternoon. Met her this evening, nice young lady.
Reminds me of Mandy.
Thursday,
9/10/98
Did a narrated video of
Club Fed with Lobo and Jay. I was cameraman, they did most of the
talking and explaining. It's a real hoot!! Really going to
miss some of the people that I have met. Had a picnic at noon put
on by the Counselors. Little breezy out in the Grove. Weapons
demo at 2PM. Some interesting a shooting. Found Legal grades,
a "B". Not bad. gave me a 3.8 GPA for the Session. Took
Parents to Fat Tuesday's for dinner. Roomy and his daughter met us
there. Good food. We had our "Prom" from 8:30-Midnight.
Saw some people dancing that I didn't think could move in ways like that.
Hans and his wife wanted me to go out to the Grove afterwards. REALLY
shouldn't have gone this night. Back in the room a little after 1AM.......I
think.
Friday,
9/11/98 THE
DAY!!
Up and out of bed
around 6:45AM. Finished packing and got all the rest of my stuff
to the Blazer. Parents came over to the Academy shortly before 8AM.
Had a little coffee, muffin, SOME ADVIL and a Pepsi before I had to be
in Homeroom. Once there, turned in parking pass and student pass
card that opened the doors. In line and down the hall to the Auditorium.
Marine Brass Quintet played for several minutes, finally the clock hit
10:30AM. It was the beginning of the end. Opening remarks by
our class spokesperson, Capt. Jeff Miller, PA State Police. Some
words by the FBI Director, Louis Freeh, then the diplomas. Last time
I would be seeing some of the people. Made sure I got up when I had
to, right when Jim Dimmick was called for his diploma. I'm finally
up on stage, shaking Mr. Freeh's hand, got the diploma and off stage and
back to my seat. Brief conversation with Roomy afterwards - gave
him "My" Diploma. A little letter expressing my appreciation for
his help and for being an all 'round good guy for the 11 weeks. For
putting up with all my garbage. Saw a couple more people on the way
out. Barb from Chesapeake Co S/O, Va, AnneMarie, Meine Freunde -
Igor Matiasovski. Please get me out of here, I can't take many more
good-bye's. Into the Blazer, out onto Range Road, through the front
gate out to I-95North and home.
Make sure you check out the Final Thoughts.