My wife Sharon passed away in 1999. I retired from work in 2002, although I continued on, both in consulting, and serving on several boards of directors for aerospace companies.

I also worked out and competed in race-walking from 1990 through 2001, after I retired from the Air Force Reserve/Air National Guard. My grandfather had been a race-walking guru, and I have medals from 1914-1934 from his estate.

But then the gradual downturn (due to age?) occurred, and I knew I had to do something significantly different. Throughout life, I tended to be overweight, or nearly so. I tried the fad diets, with mixed results . . . but none helped, and the weight returned. I tired some medication (DEXAMYL?), and it worked for a while, but when I got off that stuff, I just added weight. But they, when successful, provided temporary relief.

You guys do not come cheap. But you get what you pay for.

So I am certain that someone who participates in your program needs to come in with a strong resolve to continue and succeed. This is not a trendy artsy-crafty thing . . . it needs a personal commitment to personal improvement.

As you know, I have changed my food intake to better support my goals.

I have taken procedures for my knee to help with the periodic problems associated with it.

I have developed a positive attitude toward the improvement I expect from the program, and I would think anyone who undertakes this program has to do likewise.

I have made my primary doctor and cardiologist happy with my progress. And I have made ME happy with the progress, even though “NO PAIN, NO GAIN” is being proved.

Thank you for being sensitive to my needs, hard when I need it, and generating results for me, you, and the doctors.