Lonnie and Wendy were instrumental in our lives during a very formidable and needful timeframe. Lonnie taught me several key points that I needed to learn, such as "you have to respect the rank, you don't have to respect the person", and "love your family with all of you, for they are truly the only ones who will be in your life, essentially forever". He taught me the difference between friends and acquaintances; an acquaintance will come and go, often use or take advantage of the situation, but friends will always be there for you, and always give of themselves, whatever your needs. Both Lonnie and Wendy are(were) truly great friends, and despite lives being spaced apart due to life, they were always there, and we were able to pick up right where we left off. He always seemed to "despise", (aka love) having competition with me in being sarcastic and a "smart ass", a nickname that he seemed to rather enjoy having labeled me for the majority of my life. He will be truly missed and appreciated. It is my honor and privilege to be able to serve in the capacity in which he asked of me previously, to function in this event, on his behalf, in his memory. Thank you for everything, you'll be missed.
