Sea Going Cowboy
by Don Zook

Seagoing Cowboy

Fifty years later, I set me down to put into writing for the first time, my recollections of that memorable series of events. Few persons were offered this kind of venture in world reconstruction and share in what I believe to be a measure in reconciliation.

My intent is to tell my story from my own personal perspective including a heavy sprinkling of interpretations and, to write as though I needed to share it with my daughter, Tamara Kay, and son, Dana Bob.

My only regret in this writing is not having done it many years ago for the benefit and honor of my parents. I did however, share it verbally numerous times with churches, schools, civic groups and other organizations and small groups.

My initiative for this writing has come with my ambition to promote a re-union of those thirty-two among whom I enjoyed this grand venture.

In May, 1992, I posted a letter to all those men whose addresses I could find, of the original group. From that letter over three years ago prompting a few enthusiastic responses, I acquired sufficient inspiration to proceed with definite plans. I am excited with subsequent correspondence and numerous telephone calls to project the get-together for July 19-21,1996, at Friedenswald, a conference center of the Mennonite Church, near Cassopolis in South Michigan. Credit is due to our mate Albert Meyer for that arrangement.

Also, I rejoice to express my sincere appreciation to my dearest, Natalie, for her faithful encouragement in recording this momentous saga of my life.

Don Zook PO Box 134 Pitkin, CO 81241

January, in the year of our Lord, 1996 (while "Snowbirding" in Southern California)

Seagoing Cowboy