Photos of the week

The world is a lesser place. The best friend I ever had has passed away. Gary Hankhouse was more than a friend. He was a real man. the kind of man you want to be like. You don't see that anymore. Gary was a stand up guy who never made judgement of you, he was just your friend unconditionaly . If Gary liked you, there was nothing you could do to make him not like you. he would be the first to tell you when you were wrong, and the first to tell anyone else he was your friend if they talked wrong of you. If you did not know Gary Hankhouse then you are less for not knowing him. I never heard anyone say a bad thing about him. Gary was the kind of man who just was so rough and tough ( a REAL MARINE ) yet such a gentle soul . Gary was a Vietnam vet, yet he never once complained . On those very rare occasions he would speak of his time in Vietnam you could see the sadness in his eyes, yet he never complained. The world is a lesser place .

Semper Fidelis

The phrase means "Always faithful." It isn't "Sometimes Faithful." Nor is it "Usually Faithful," but always. It is not negotiable. It is not relative, but absolute. Who is always faithful, though. and to what, exactly are they faithful? Interestingly, the simplicity of the phrase and the calculated neglect to specify its parameters seems to strengthen it. Marines pride themselves on their straightforward mission and steadfast dedication to accomplish it. Things do not need to be spelled out for them; they know what it means and what to do about it.

Gary always took such pride to explain this to me .

Gary did not just say this , he lived it ...real men live by their convictions

Gary's favorite expression.......... Adapt... Improvise .. Overcome

Semper Fidelis Gary Hankhouse

Forever your friend.. Terry