Dave,
Where did you run into Mack Gaston? He and I emailed each other a few years back when he was with a think tank in Virginia. He actually remembered me after a story I was telling him, he even finished the story and then thanked me findng him. He had asked me to call him, but I lost the last email address with his telephone numebr when my computer crashed and haven't had the time to locate or contact him.
Mack Gaston was a great Captain who became Great Admiral. He became the Commanding Officer at Naval Training Center Great Lakes. I had the utmost respect for him. He treated me extremely fair at a Captains Mast when he could have really put the screws to me. I credit him for setting the stage that turned my life around in the Navy, explaining to me accountability at age 21, and setting the stage for the succes I have had and will always hold him in high regard.
I have been also fortunate to have my last commanding officer (CMDR Wayne Jones)as one of my staff for the company I manage. He like Mack lead by tremendous example. Two men of the highest caliber, how lucky I was to have them as my Captains.
Bill Velto, BMSN 1977-1980
Bartender Lil Orpahn Annies
USS Cochrane DDG21
Fastest DDG in the West
