Post by Matt Adler

When one of your best friends is nearby for work, you talk that guy into hauling his boat down from Ron Sealock’s neck of the woods so you can go fishing. Meet Nick Paul. Nick has been around for some of the biggest moments in our lives. Nearly 20 years ago, he took the photo of Crystal, me, and the judge just after we were married at the Pettis County Courthouse in Sedalia. It was Halloween. The judge looked at us and asked, “You’re seriously getting married on Halloween and you’re not dressing up?” I laughed and said, “It’s the only day I could get off work from working on nukes before leaving for another country in two months.” Crystal was still a few weeks away from graduating from UCM, and before we knew it we were beginning our newlywed life in Adana, Turkey, about 60 miles from the Syrian border. After we returned the following April, Nick was there again for our wedding celebration on the University of Central Missouri campus. Fast forward nearly two decades, and now he’s standing at Elm Spring Farm holding one of our newest goat kids while his boat waits in the driveway. Veterans who have worked hard, played hard, and lived through a few chapters together build friendships that stand the test of time. Nick also brought me a stack of USSTRATCOM stickers that we planned to hand out to the Ukrainian veteran farmers who were scheduled to visit Elm Spring Farm. Sadly, because of a medical emergency within the delegation, the visit has been postponed. We’re wishing everyone involved the very best and a full recovery. The stickers aren’t going anywhere. Neither is the invitation. Elm Spring Farm is cleaned up, ready whenever the time is right. Until then, it looks like we’ll make the most of the unexpected free time with a bit of water fellowship. Funny how life comes full circle. One day your buddy is photographing your courthouse wedding before an overseas assignment. Nearly 20 years later, he’s standing in the shop holding a newborn goat. 🇺🇸🎣🐐 #InItTogether❤️‍🩹