Many years ago, I started a sort of club to honor the TG's in our community who served in the armed forces. I called it the TG NCO club, but all ranks were welcome.

It wasn't an advocacy agency or a social club in that it only existed in cyberspace. It was just a listing of veterans who wished to be recognized as transgendered as well as veterans. And it gave me an opportunity to do something I feel has been sadly neglected in this country, the chance to personally thank each and every veteran for her service.

Sadly, the club, like my website, has been neglected these last few years. It started with my colon cancer. The surgery took a lot of my time and strength, and it diminished the reserve of energy I had come to depend on. This was complicated with promotion at work, requiring me to spend more of my time at my job. While financially and intellectually rewarding, it left less time to pursue my other interests.

Finally I needed open heart surgery last year to repair some faulty heart valves. While I came through OK, I am still weak from the surgery.

Just recently my Dear Wife was hospitalized with pneumonia. It was close. She has been discharged, but she has trouble getting into and out of bed, using the toilet, and just doing things in general. I am currently on family leave taking care of her.

And on top of everything, Yahoo will be shutting Geocities down. When this happens, the NCO Club will die.

I have made the painful decision to let the NCO Club fade away. It was fun while it lasted, but I no longer have the time or energy left to properly maintain it. And there are other organizations that advocate for and recognize the contributions of transgendered GI's and veterans.

So please join me in a toast to the members of the TG NCO Club. Once again, I thank you for your contribution to our freedom. And say a prayer for absent friends.

SSgt Tina Michelle Smith, USAF