George was one of the first CAP’ers I met after I moved to San Francisco in ‘96. I instantly liked him. I could tell right away that he was one of *us*, CAP senior members who had gone through the program themselves, for whom the Cadet Program held a special place in their heart. At my 3rd meeting in SF, a serious “ok, what now” meeting took place just as George was headed off to…
So there we were: Baghdad, 2008 or 2009. I was in Iraq on an assignment that took me around the country and occasionally had to check in at the Combined Intelligence Operations Center (CIOC) housed in what was known as the “Perfume Palace” (known as such because it resembled a bottle of perfume and unconfirmed rumors about its use by Saddam’s sons). I spotted a familiar-looking bespectacled Asian colonel across the large room during a…
George was an incredible leader and mentor. I will be forever grateful for the lessons he taught me as he empowered me to make decisions and stand by them confidently as an uncertain young adult. A decade later the impact he had on my life is still directly evident in many ways. I will miss his hugs, his smile, his warmth, and his friendship. And I’ll never forget how much he hated our hike, but…
George was always there…that one person you could count on for guidance no matter how much time had passed. He had a calming, kind voice that I will forever remember.
Rest well, sir!
I am really going to miss you George. Thank you being a rock for me as I grew up and not only teaching me but showing me. You taught me how to ask questions and how to truly be kind and giving. It will take me a lifetime to compile the words, thoughts and feelings I have for our friendship and how much you meant to me and my family. I love you George. …
