[Seahawk]

I have done this twice in my life, once for a college professor (a former Jesuit priest) and the second for a Naval Officer - both profoundly impacted my life.

There is no right way to express gratitude and I frankly think that it depends on the person you are thanking on how best to do it.

For the Jesuit, I wrote him a letter, which I knew was his preferred form of correspondence. Thanking him in person would have made him uncomfortable and lessened the import of my reaching out to him.

I still have the letter he wrote back - it remains my most cherished gift.

I called the Navy guy. It is a Navy thing. Greg was our Class Leader (he was a LCDR) at the Replacement Air Group (RAG) when I went through the SH-60B flight and tactics RAG. We were the third class ever to go through. He had a severely handicapped son but never failed to take the time and effort to help us (10 knucklehead Ensigns) become better pilots, tacticians and frankly, Naval Officers.

The call went great and I stopped by to visit him and his family a month later. He, and his wife Shelly were very touched. Their son, who was not expected to live into his teens, still lives with them nearly 35 years later....a testament to their love and devotion to life.

So, long essay short, figure out the best way for each man then reach out. It can be a wonderful experience for all.