"May it be said when the sun sets on your life...you made a difference."

It will be a long time before the sun sets on the life of the incomparable Lt. Col. Jack D. Peavy (USA Retired) yet it can already be said his life has made a difference. A tremendous positive difference!

He has always had an energy and steadfast determination that has made him an unstoppable force.

A wise person would never tell Jack that something couldn't be done. He truly is a man who follows his dreams. He sets clearly defined goals and never waivers when obstacles stand in his path.

I had the privilege and pleasure of joining a group of his family and friends last night as we surprised Jack for his 75th birthday. His lovely daughters recited lessons he taught them. It was an eclectic list that provided insight and laughter as they shared their stories. It was evident to all in attendance that family is of paramount importance to him. He loved his wife, Roberta and together they raised their lovely daughters with discipline and love. Sharon and Nancy learned to keep kindness in their hearts, to take risks and embrace change.

They also presented their dad with a copy of his high school diploma. He had enlisted in the service (didn't let a little obstacle like age stand in his way) and went to serve his country by-passing graduation in 1946.

He was and forever will be a soldier.

I read a quote recently, "Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do." Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Jack wanted to be a pilot, to fly. He knew it. It was his passion. He applied his enthusiasm, tenacity and boldness to remove the obstacles and create the action to make his goal a reality. (Ask him to share the story sometime. It is terrific.)

Jack's life is a great example of the power of focus. Never stagnate, ever increasing his knowledge and growing, Jack recently attended classes to reach the pinnacle of opportunity within the Coast Guard Auxiliary. When stumbling to find success on some of the tests - it was his focus and determination that made the difference. He eventually not only passed but was awarded recognition for his efforts.

His focus on his priorities have made it possible for him to accomplish more in his military, business and personal life than most people ever will.

Jack enjoys visiting lighthouses. How appropriate. Through his life he has been a vehicle to protect and guide. The light within him brightens the lives of many.

His life has been diverse. He has had many adventures with many still to come.

I believe your true character is revealed by the clarity of your convictions, the choices you make, the promises you keep.

I have known Jack to always hold strongly to his principles. Your choices shape the person you become. They are the measure of your life.

Jack has taken risks, made good and bad choices. Adversity in his life has revealed his character and strength.

God gives each of us unique talents and maximizing those talents is life's challenge.

Jack listens to his gut, he learns, grows and inspires.

Aristotle once said, "Excellence is not an act. It is a habit." Jack illustrates a quality of excellence in his life. He can't help it. After 75 years it is a habit.

Happy Birthday. Thank you for making a positive happy difference in my life.