My former boss was born on this day in 1911. That’s two great things to come out of that year, the other being the Colt .45 automatic.

I am proud to say that I served under President Reagan. He was an inspiration to me in many ways. I always knew he’d send help if we got in trouble. No doubt in my military mind.

I miss him. I miss his leadership. I miss his sense of humor. I miss the belief that American exceptionalism is the rule, not the exception. I admire him for winning the Cold War and defeating a true evil, the Soviet Union.

This speech still gives me chills.

I served under two presidents. The other one was responsible, in large part, for the decline of the military after Vietnam. I was a miserable midshipman and a kid at that time. But I understood that being a terrible president had grave consequences for our nation. Sadly, it’s a lesson we’re going to have to learn again. But some of us remember.

On this day I ask that you pray for Nancy Reagan. She’s not in the best of health and I’m sure she misses her “Ronnie” to the point of physical pain. Ask God to bless her and keep her. She put in a lot of years taking care of Ronald Reagan after his Alzheimer’s was diagnosed.

We find few men of his character in this modern world. He was a Christian, a leader, and my hero.

Thank you, Mr. President. And I wish you a Happy Birthday, Sir.