My last day onboard the USS Franlin D. Roosevelt (U.S. aircraft carrier); off the coast of Rota, Spain). I was scheduled to be on a chartered passenger jet back to the U.S. that day. Commander Cane was the 4th Commanding Officer I served with CVW-6 (Air Wing Command Staff). Commander Cane was a great officer and leader…I have always had tremendous respect for this man! As I was leaving, he was very supportive and encouraged me in my life as a civilian (and in college as he new that was my goal). Sadly, I learned that Commander Cane passed away in 2000 @ the age of 70. And now, it’s just odd, knowing today (July 9, 2019), that I’m less than 6 months from turning age 70. One of Commander Cane’s Sons mailed me this photo after I visited his 2 sons and his wife, who live in Annapolis, Maryland…in 2002.
And, I wish to add that…..I attended and graduated from Texas A&M University with my B.S.L.A. degree in Landscape Architecture in 1977. When I graduated, I had ZERO debts. I went to college using my U.S. Government G.I. Bill education benefits…which were really only about $400.00 per mo. My wife at the time and I both had to take on either full or part-time work on and off to get by. Neither my parents or my wife’s parents helped me with my college expenses. So, IMO, the idea of “a free college education” is not something I’m OK with. If you can’t get a College Student Loan or Scholarship….work for a few years and save the money for a college education…OR, do what I did, serve your Country and go to college using the G.I. Bill.
J. Robert (Bob) Wainner
P.S…..I still think about CAPTAIN CANE from time to time. We actually became “friends” when I worked for him while I was in the U.S. Navy…..actually, something most Officers and Enlisted personnel just don’t do. Captain Cane was approx. 24 years older than I was when I served under him. I learned from his Wife, that he passed away just after he turned age 70….from a Heart Attack. Just feels strange now….that I am 71 years old. He definitely died well before his time!