by Don Garon
Dear Guro,
I have been thinking a lot about you lately and decided to write you a thank you note.
2013 is a special year for me in two big ways. First, I will turn 60 this year. Second, and much more important, is that this year marks my 30th year of training with you.
I want you to know that for 30 years you have been a constant source of inspiration for me.
You inspire me to be a better teacher because I have never met a teacher that can engage a group better than you. Every time I take a class from you, I look for those little things you do to get the class to ‘buy in’ to what you are saying. Whenever one of my guys comes up and says thanks to me for a ‘good class’, they are thanking you too.
You inspire me to be a better student. I have NEVER seen anyone with your dedication to learning and training. As you know, with my current job, my body takes a beating. Some of the guys on the squads ask me how I do it ‘at my age’. I laugh and tell them about you.
Most important of all, you inspire me to be a better person. You do this by just being you. You are the kindest, most generous, and most giving person I know. I know that this generosity of spirit has cost you emotionally at times over the years, yet in 30 years, I have never seen you waiver. Your goodness of character still awes me.
I just hope you realize how many people’s lives you have changed for the better. You have directly affected thousands, and when you think of all the people that they in turn have affected, the numbers goes to the tens of thousands. That is truly amazing. What a valuable life you have led!
Also, I hope you know how many lives you have saved. Think about some of the special groups you have taught. I know that some of the things you have taught me and I have passed on have saved some guys lives. Multiply that by all of the instructors you have taught that work with law enforcement and military and the number becomes incredible. I say again, what a valuable life you lead!

Although, I will never be able to repay you for what you have given me, I will continue to try.I do that by continuing to share what you have shown me, and by continuing to train and grow in an attempt to honor you.
With much love, and all my respect,
Don Garon