Next Thursday and Friday I'll be attending a dinner and ceremony for the retirement of a good friend of mine, who has served as Director of Reserve Affairs in the Pentagon. He oversaw the administration of all branches of the reserves in the U.S., a job formerly held by Sen. Webb.

We'll be having dinner aboard the USS Barry, and attending the ceremony in the Pentagon. Another friend and I will drive down Thursday afternoon for the dinner and stay overnight. We're getting a high level tour of the Pentagon Friday also. I'm looking forward to this.

My friend is leaving the Marine Corps after 32 years of service, and will return to civilian life as an estimator for a masonry company, his old job. He's leaving with some nice benefits. His son will be able to have his college education paid in full, including books, meals and lodging.