This past November my brother achieved a great accomplishment -- retirement from the Navy after 20 years of excellent service to our country. In lieu of a gift, I wrote him a poem. With his permission, I share it here with you. KEVIN As you sit there with those smiling eyes So very blue with sparkling pride I cannot help but join right in Strong emotions swelling inside You’re retiring from the Navy today Twenty years you have done From starting out as a seaman Into a Chief you’ve become My mind can’t help but wander. Back to a tow-headed lad Growing up on Lawton Avenue in Lawton , Oklahoma With two siblings and a dad Your spirit of life and its adventures Beginning way back then Skateboard ollies and bicycle ramps Carefree youth, seeming to never end The determination and love of a father To encourage you all the way Starting a seed of "You’re the boss" To cling to every day But alas, to Dallas off you g...