Posted by Ron Olney on August 19, 2023:

In the late '70s, while stationed in Illesheim, FRG, Col. Kirk was the base and 1st Bde Cmdr, 1AD. I was his top cop and a 1LT. One day I was briefing him on an investigation, when he received a phone call. I heard, "Yes, Dear", "I understand, Dear", "You know I'll try", "OK, Bye". He then turned to me and said , "Do you know who that was??" Stammering, Finally said "your wife"? He loudly responded "I don't have a wife!" I'm perplexed, since I know he does and I've met me. He repeats, "Do you know who that was??" Unable to guess Mistress, I state, "No Sir", He proceeded to bark that it was his Bride, and then asked if I knew why he called her his bride, to which I eventually said "No Sir." Col Kirk then crawled across his huge desk, stuck his face next to mine, and placed his right finger next to his right eye and stated "see that??", I couldn't tell the right answer, so after 2 attempts, he stated "It's a TWINKLE! Calling her my bride keeps a twinkle in my eye!" For 44 years I have been married to my bride and he was right! I have many great memories of my discussions and adventures with John Kirk. He was one of my most profound mentors, role models, and trusted comrade-in-arms. We saluted and hugged when I PCSed.

admin