COL(R) Channels is the definition of selfless service. When I was in SAAL-RI, in the old "pit" he had a cube caddy corner to mine. He was the XO to one of the other DASAs. We worked a lot of late evenings together and had many conversations where he would give me his opinion of my co-workers and tell me about his kids (his son flew with the 160th SOAR). I would help him out with spreadsheets and powerpoint whenever he needed it. The thing is, COL(R) Channels was a voluntary retiree recall. He was (no kidding) about 70 years old, but he asked for the opportunity to serve in any capacity he could in war time, put on a uniform, came to the Pentagon everyday and worked like an "Iron Major" half his age. He's still at it, working as a civilian in the Office of the Chief of Engineers.
I assume he never served in combat because of his right sleeve, although we never talked about that, but that is irrelevant. That old son of a gun is the real deal when you talk about selfless service. He's a hero to me and I am honored that he took the time to send me a note today.
