US Navy Police Retirement Award (#334-1)

Congratulations
On Your Retirement

RECIPIENT NAME

Thank You for Your Dedication
& Service to NAS Corpus Christi

Fair Winds
& Following Seas

Navy Retirement Poem Award (#334-2)

RECIPIENT NAME

Retiring after 28 Years of Service
From the United States Navy

It is the sailor, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the sailor, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the sailor, not the campus organizer, Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the sailor, not the lawyer, who has given us a right to a fair trial.

It is the sailor, like RECIPIENT NAME,
Who salutes the flag,
Who serves under the flag,
And who gave self-sacrificing
Loyalty to his country.

HAPPY RETIREMENT!

US Navy Wife Poem Award (#334-3)

RECIPIENT NAME

US Navy Wife, Retired

AS WIVES WAIT

As the rose’s petal gives up a sigh and paints its soul across the sky, The eyes of waiting silhouettes sweep dauntingly out to sea. The morning mist is heavy here as the shadows of our heart Push through the dull and hazy grayness of our existence.

Time, like heavy clogs of granite, refuses to yield to our pleas. While salty breezes wash over us, licking our wounds of loneliness And wringing the salt from our tears.

Slicing the air with her velvet voice the mistress calls from the Sound. We all pause, straining to hear. Was that Her? Time drags its heavy load across our hearts, threatening to crush our patience. And we wait.

Then, like a ghost slipping through the walls of her house, she emerges From the humid fog of the sea and creeps quietly toward her river home. Oh! Silent Beauty, we love you and loathe you. You steal our lovers away. Then deliver them safely back to us. And all the while we pray.

Cloned eyes sweep along her back - searching for a
remembered stance. There - a wave - Did you see? He waved! We are HERE our minds scream! We jump and shout and demand attention! They are home - safely home from the sea. They belong to us again!