Newkirk while I'm sad to see you have to step down, part of me is really happy about it. You have been my peer and comrade throughout both our long NW careers. I've always seen our leadership, our regiments, and ourselves to be quiet similar, and the 27th were always one of my favorite NW regiments. We grew and changed as our regiments did, and I was always glad to hear of the progress of the 27th. From Kapitan and Captain, to major and major, and finally I'm the end retiree and retiree, it makes me feel wonderful to be able to say that I was able to be a regiment leader alongside Newkirk. The 27th will do great as I know you have left them with the skills they need to survive, and you will get the wonderful experience of seeing how guys you trained reach their full potential. It was great working with you and being friends with you, I'm honored.
Your fellow retired major,
Walko.