Friends of Padre Steve’s World,
This week begins my transition from over 38 years of military service in the Army and Navy to the civilian world. My relief will arrive and for the next couple of weeks I will help him during the transition. Since I will be excess to the command and will not want my ghost hanging over him I am going to ask to be placed on temporary duty at the Joint Forces Staff College until my retirement in the spring of 2020. He deserves not to have his predecessor hanging around as he takes over, and I need to be in a place where I can launch myself into the civilian world without being the old guy in the way of the man entrusted with taking over my responsibilities, a man who is a friend.
I think that will be better for both of us. It will help my transition to the civilian world and will allow him to not have my shadow lurking around his shoulders as I make my transition. The academic world is much better for me and my future than just hanging around where I am no longer needed. One has to understand when their time is up. I know that. Hopefully, my superiors will understand.
Anyway, Sunday and Monday I will be parting and preparing to move my work office to home. It will be a lot of work. I thank you for your encouragement, support, and prayers. All of my readers mean a great deal to me, and I wish you all the best.
Peace,
Padre
The Inglorius Padre Steve's World 
Padre Steve. Best of luck in your transition from military to civilian life. You continue to be the voice of reason, conscience, and ethics!
Thanks Bill. Look forward to our next chance for a beer together.
Steve,
As I replied yesterday, we are basically in the same boat, though I am a few months ahead of you. It is already and will be fun to read your thoughts on retirement as you get closer and continue to reflect on it all. Thank you for sharing.
Good luck Steve,
I wish I’d have known you longer
God Bless
Dave
Good luck. I hope you have some help to move.