To the Reagan family

As one journey starts, another one ends,
One-of-a-kind fellow, one-of-a-kind friends.
Continuing mission, relentless ambition,
of keeping the worlds hearts free from attrition.

We sail with your name, your spirit at our side,
“Peace through Strength” are the words to which we abide.
The lasting impressions and words deftly given,
ring loud in our minds, in the world, remain livin’.

As we sail from sea to next shining sea,
and wonder what future can possibly be?
Your visions and thoughts guide the blind toward the light,
to protect a free world through our peace loving might.

The seas have grown calmer in this world today,
as our namesake rides with us, rides with the haze gray.
We hope he’ll enjoy all the ports that we’ll see,
due to his alluring diplomacy.

As sailors gaze off into star filled night,
and bring your ship home under twinkling light;
the sea remains calm, this night it won’t tip her,
we’re bringing her home, this one for the Gipper.

Copyright ©2004 Thomas Edward Willett

Author’s Comments:
“I was an honored crew member of the USS Ronald Reagan (and plank owner) While we were sailing from Norfolk around the horn of So. America to deliver the ship to it’s new homeport of San Diego, he passed away. We got an official logbook, the crew wrote condolences in it, and this poem appears at the beginning. It was given to Nancy and is now at the Reagan library.”

More clearly than mere words e’er may
That field lays out their final say

No greater love, they gave it all
In answer to man’s highest call

But don’t forget that most returned
To them we owe esteem they earned

And last of all, remember this:
Our LORD betrayed by one mere kiss

For from within, true danger lies
Though carefully as friend disguised

So fight, my friend, from where you stand
For freedom rides on every man

E pluribus unum

Tom Hoefling
February 15, 2009

V-USA is dedicated to all who have served, do serve, and will serve.

From the constitution of America’s Independent Party:

“Our work is dedicated to our God; to all the patriots who came before us in self-sacrifice for liberty; to all of those who now faithfully serve our country; and to the posterity that will enjoy the blessed fruit of all their labors.”

A personal message to AIP veterans:

I’m not a veteran.

V-USA is designed to be led primarily by veterans, for the purpose of continuing to fulfill the sacred oath each took upon entering the military, to defend the Constitution of the United States and to secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity.

I hope AIP’s veterans will pick up this standard and lead the charge.

But I also hope that you won’t mind if those of us who did not serve do our bit to help this organization. Our love for you and respect for what you’ve done for our country requires it, as does our shared commitment to America’s principles and posterity.

Whatever I can do for you I will do in memory of my Dad, Lawrence C. Hoefling, who served in the Korean War, and out of care for my son Matthew, a member of the Idaho National Guard who may well be deployed to Afganistan in the next year.

Thank you for your service.

For Life and Liberty,

Tom Hoefling, Chairman, America’s Independent Party