February 20th, 2007 was my last day at work after 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, and what an honor it has been!  It was also the day I came home from Washington D.C. to be with my family.  Actually part of my family, Nathan that is, spent my last weekend up there with me (more on that below).  What an amazing adventure it turned out to be.  I don't officially retire until May 31st, so I think I'll leave my farewell to the Air Force address to another blog.  For now I'll just recap the last tour, some recent happenings, share some excitement about my latest prospects and just say thank you to those who should hear it.

I never wanted to be apart from my family, but God filled my time with a sense of purpose and I have to say I'm filled with a sense of gratitude and fulfillment.  My time in Washington was truly unbelievable.  The general I worked for gave me a going away luncheon at the Bolling AFB Club I'll not soon forget.  It was far more than I deserved for my short time there, but I'm forever grateful for the kind send off.  When I think of the missions I got to be a part of, it really seems like I'm reading someone else's story.  What an honor it was to serve in eyesight of the U.S. Capitol.  I don't think I was even half qualified for the service opportunities that came my way, but whenever I felt I wasn't up to the task, I'd ask God for help, and there it would be.  I thank God for that help and for those He'd faithfully send to help me (Roland that'd be you if you ever read this).

Next, I'm thankful for Lynn Metts and Billy Johnson for getting my foot in the door so to speak, and for Jackie Miller who offered me an affordable, safe place to stay; only 15 minutes from work, and I got to live in Old Town Alexandria no less!  What a wonderful town and what an answer to prayer.

I'll never forget Tiffany Tavern.  There's nothing like it ANYWHERE...open mic 4 nights a week and bluegrass every weekend.  Even better were the musicians I met who treated me like family...one of the kindest and most generous is a great singer/song writer who leads the D.C. Acoustic Underground, Michael Yugo.  Also, Larry Tapper (One of the finest harmonica players I've EVER heard), Eric, Brian, Greg, Vikki, Dan (the man), Mike, Dave, Ron (the 5th Beetle), and Jim and the Pluckers (I love those guys).  The list goes on, and I'm sorry for leaving folks out.  You just couldn't ask for a nicer and more talented group of friends to spend your evenings with.  I'll never forget that place (thanks Ted) and to those who shared those many evenings with me--Thank YOU.

My last weekend was one to remember too.  I got to bring my little man, Nathan, up to tour the town with me.  We went to all the memorials, National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institute, Ford's Theater, and Mt Vernon for President's Day where we saw the actual president, George Bush give an address and then walk over to our side of the crowd!  The best part were the little things, like kicking ice down the sidewalk as we strolled along, eating "hot now" doughnuts at Krispy Kreme, and settling in for a cozy night after an exhausting day of cold snow and ice, sightseeing and fun.  In short it was just good to spend time with my boy.  It was even better knowing that our time together didn't have to end with me driving hundreds of miles away from him...he drove home with me. :-)

I start work in the family business with my Dad tomorrow.  I've already booked a couple of performance dates.  One is at the Woodlands Resort and Inn (we're talking world class 5 Star destination here!), and another date at the Dunes West Golf Club.  So, I think God has already given me a glimpse of the blessings He has yet in store.  Here is my thanks in advance.

God Bless you for caring enough about me to read this; I thank God for you too.

Keith