I became friends with a  Korean War veteran and, since I am a retired Captain with Vietnam tours we hit it off well and had many things in common.  To help matters both of our wives enjoyed each others company as welll.  He was one of the finest men I had ever known an soon I noticed the ring on his finger and asked, "Jim, how does one get to be a Mason?  What do they do and how long have you been one?"  That was all I needed for soon I had filled out the petition, met with the interviewers and was taking my first degree.  That was in 1996 and I am still friends even though we are many miles apart.  I have completed the York and Scottish Rite degrees, been through all the chairs in our lodge and am now the Secretary Pro-Tempore.  I enjoy Masonry and all the good it does for men and the Country.