Greetings!

It is truly sad that humans cannot live without conflict.  But in contrast to that sadness is an even greater blessing in the men and women willing to so selflessly give their lives in hope for a better future. 

Here's to hoping you and I find many opportunities to thank those that serve and honor those that gave the ultimate sacrifice.

May 2012 marked 70 years since the disappearance of Commander William Ault. At the time of his disappearance he was a Lt. Commander but destined for a promotion.

Commander Ault led by example as he carved a way to engage the mighty Japanese forces in the Battle of the Coral Sea near the coast of Australia.  

This was considered the first sea battle to be fought by air and the first time in over 400 years where Japan could not claim victory. This battle is still celebrated today as the "Battle that saved Australia."

While his troops wreaked havoc on the Japanese carriers, our United States carriers also paid a heavy toll. So much so that Commander Ault could not make contact with the ship for return. He called out on the radio stating he had fuel for another "20 minutes of flight."

His radio transmission was picked up by the companion carrier but he was no where in sight on radar. The troops responded back by radio, "We can't find you on radar, You're on your own, Good luck."

Nearly 20 minutes later a final transmission was heard: "We dropped a 1000 pounder on the flat deck... So long."

Commander William Ault was promoted posthumously. Along with the promotion he received the Navy Cross.   Along with the cross there was a ship named after him, as well as a base.

Commander William Ault is, of course, the sailor of whom our NAS Whidbey Ault field base in our Camano/North Whidbey district 3 was named. He was the only Navy Cross recipient who has both a ship and a base named after him.

May we honor his great service.

I received unwelcomed news while away on business.  My friend Ralph Ferguson passed away.

Ralph fought harder for water rights on these sole source aquifers we live on more than anyone I can imagine.  Having served on our Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC) in the past, he was very knowledgeable of that committee's doings.   

He was willing to serve again more recently.  Unfortunately, I was not able to get a second for his nomination, but that didn't stop Ralph.  He would regularly make the trek from Camano to attend their meetings anyway.

It was because he and Dale Tyler were at one of those WRAC meetings that we found out about the plans to destroy our Camano State Park for a salmon recovery project.  The two of them led the successful effort that caused the State to "go back to the drawing board" for more data.

Ralph worked ferociously to protect the aquifer of northeast Camano Island.  He was a frequent visitor to every district 3 commissioner beginning many years back and I know for certain he will be sorely missed.

May he rest in peace.