Words cannot pay enough homage to Master Chief Peter Soler during his Navy career..some people may not believe this, however when I first joined the Naval Reserve in 1960 while a junior in high school, for some odd reason he took me under his wing as he has done for others and made responsible sailors out of wayward young men such as myself at the time. He even shook his head in humor when he learned that I had made Chief Petty Officer in 1976 and humorously made the comment..."...where is my Navy going advancing you to Chief...especially a Boatswain's Mate...heaven help us...." but we had a very special "father/son" relationship since my father had been deceased for years..Peter was gentle, but tough at the same time. Master Chief went out of his way for the youngsters to encourage the Sea Cadet Corp to become responsible citizens and many of them went on to graduate from school and enter service of our beloved country.
Smooth winds and following seas Master Chief Peter J.Soler, you will be sorely missed.
Gary W Williams, Boatswain's Mate Chief USN (Retired)