Ted and Patty Hack (continued)

I'll let Ted describe this last photo:

"I used to travel with him to Navy bases and events as his Navy escort. Up to his recent death, I worked closely with his Senate office as he was the Chairman on the Senate Armed Services Committee that dealt with shipbuilding ( I am the General Dynamics lobbyist for submarine programs). My company also has supported the JFK Library Foundation in Boston MA, and for the last 10 years I have coordinated our company's participation in the annual dinner that they hold in Boston at the Library, where this picture was taken. (it was taken one week before he had the stroke that eventually led to his death). I also used to attend many fund raising dinners at his home here in DC, so I knew him quite well. A good man !!"

With the passing of, Senator Edward M. Kennedy, an era is coming to an end. Our era. We, the class of 1962, cut our political baby teeth during those early Camelot days of the Kennedy White House. Remember the spirited, yet, civil, debates that were encouraged and held in class in 1960 that centered around the Nixon/ Kennedy election? Regardless of who took which side in those debates, (though it must be admitted that our Republican leaning members were in the distinct minority and were very brave indeed to express their contrary opinions), there was an excitement in the air; first, about the possibility; and then, the reality, of our country's first elected Catholic President. I'm sure we all felt that common pride.

I enjoyed putting together this small window into the life of our distinguished classmate, Ted Hack. While many of us have been living our various and busy lives as witnesses to the events of our era, Ted has been one of its active and earnest participants. It has become quite fashionable to use the word "lobbyist" as an epithet. In certain cases, it is probably justified. But here we can see a man we all once shared a part of our lives with. A man who has served his country proudly and with distinction and that brings honor to us all. His life and accomplishments, therefore, become all the more personal and real to us. His window is a window into our lives as well.

Ted now feels that most, but not all, of his life's work and goals have been accomplished. He is looking forward to retiring from General Dynamics in another year or two and go on about enjoying life. He and Patty will continue to live in Washington, DC, because that's where she works and they probably would not be able to sell their home in today's market for what they have put into it. Besides, all his close golf friends are there and he knows all the courses just as intimately. Perhaps, someday, he will take a trip to the Holy Grail of golf enthusiasts. When he does, he will send us a photograph or two and I'll put them on our blog. God willing.

Photo credit: Ted Hack