In March of 2017, I was still enlisted in the Air Force, stationed at JBMDL, and waiting for this position at a base in Colorado to open up. Which I would take as my last assignment before retirement. I guess you could say that's when fate stepped in with other plans. Later that month on St. Patrick's Day is when I would meet Lori for the first time. We both had some interesting circumstances going on in our lives at the time that would be the catalyst for us meeting and talking. Neither of us had any plans that night so I asked if she wanted to head out for a bite to eat. That conversation at dinner ended up lasting 5 hours and was the start of really cool friendship. A couple of months later I found myself at this major crossroads of sort. The postion in Colorado was about to be vacant and soon I would be cleared hot to roll out. At the same though, I had found myself having feelings for Lori. I knew if i had accepted the postition and left withouth ever asking her out on a for real date, I would have always regretted not taking that chance. So I asked her out. I didn't have much time and I wanted to go all out making sure the date was super bad ass because I didn't know if I would ever have the chance for a second. We hit NYC for a gondola ride in Central Park, caught some local musicians performing at the Bethesda Fountain, met up with my brother in Brooklyn for some kick ass BBQ at the Arrogant Swine, and finished the date with some amazing seats at Wicked on Broadway. I was nervous as hell, but at the end of the night, I told her how I felt. And now, almost 6 years later, I'm the luckiest guy being engaged to her. Needless to say I did not take the position and retired from the Air Force after 24 years to finally relax and enjoy the rest of my life with her. Maverick and Goose, Road Dawgs for Life!
