14 February, 1998

Dear Betty and Roland,

        Thank you for coming to my retirement and helping me celebrate 37 years of commissioned service. And the gift was beautiful - the Aricraft Carrier, the Saratoga, did much of its service to the Navy at about the same time as I did mine. It was a very thoughtful and meaningful gift for a momento-saver like me.

        Roland, thank you for inviting me to speak to the reunion of the USS Dyess. It was the kind of event I love to participate in.

        And Betty, thank you for being a good friend and colleague over the years: now over 20 - and counting (but who's counting).

                                                                Warm Regards,

                                                                Roger Gilbertson

                                                                Rear Admiral, USNR (Ret)