Dr. James Alexander
Dear Maggie, as a retired surgeon who practiced in the United State's Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, Virginia; I had the honor and privilege to treat brave military heros and observe first-hand the sacrifices they willingly made to protect the life, limb and property of fellow Americans. In the public sector, brave firefighters heroically, sacrificially and willingly serve their communities by protecting life, limb and property at the risk of their own well-being and even their lives. Firefighters and Military heros are one in the same: honorable, dedicated, highly trained, courageous, and, fiercely committed to the greater good and higher calling of undaunted service in the face of grave danger to their fellow citizens.
Ron embodied all of the attributes required to become a "Quientisential Fireman," and accordlingly rose the rank of Captain and most assuredly would have been a Fire Chief had that been his heart's desire. But Ron told me as we worked out together in our gym and shared food and drinks together in my home that he cared more about his men, more about leading them into and safely out of harms way and more about the fellowship and bond forged in the Firehouse than the status or money a promotion would offer him.
Ron was a humble man of great importance and rank. He did things other Captains would not or could not do for their people. He cooked, he cleaned, he washed the trucks, he bought the groceries, he pulled long and late shifts. Ron was the epitomy of a "Man's Man." I had the honor and privilege of knowing Ron, all too briefly, but I am grateful to have known first-hand such a heroic and selfless man. And Maggie, he told me more than once how lucky and blessed he was to call you his wife and best friend. Thank you for selflessly, heroically and blessedly standing beside and with Ron to the end.
Jim Alexander
(Maggie and Ron's neighbor in San Miguel de Allende)
