Kelly

Kelly is Elise's Best Friend, Jonathon's Girl Friend (amazing how that all worked out), and Jake adores her.  She is sweet, fun, and smart.  I like the match.

Soon she'll have to sit for a few portrait shots with me...which is how my people normally get included on this page.  But...I found one I liked from a day at the park.

Jacob

This is my grandson, Jake.  We do everything together.  He's a big baseball fan but plays golf, lacrosse, football, soccer, and just about any sport. He has the temperament of a hockey player though, so watch out when playing any game with a stick.

My favorite time with Jake are practicing Baseball.  He can really Hit!  He must get this from his mother's side of the family.

Barbara

My beautiful former daughter-in-law will always be my daughter.  She and  Jay have been best friends since high school and she was always my favorite among all his friends.

I am pleased she is the mother of my grandson.

She is finishing up her graduate degree in Occupational Therapy while I watch her cats.

Mom

I grew up in a household led by a hard-working railroad dad and run by a mom who enforced the rules of gentlemanly behavior, self-reliance, and fun.  My two brothers and I were taught to be life-long learners, open-minded, and respectful.  We learned to play baseball, love music, wonder at the heavens, read for enjoyment, and show grace under pressure.

I loved the days past when my friends would beg to come to Sunday dinner, knowing mom would be setting a table of southern fine cooking.  She was simply an amazing cook and entertainer.

From mom we Neel boys got out love for nature and music.  Mom could identify trees, flowers, and birds at a distance, and she still has the sweetest little soprano voice I've ever heard.

Dad

My dad was the smartest man I have ever known.  He raised his kids to question everything and and did so himself.  He was the most amazing teacher and would explain our subjects in seconds where it would take our teachers days.  No subject was taboo in this man's house.  We watched every NASA launch, debated everything from ancient astronauts to "true sport," and watched hours of Lawrence Welk and Hee Haw.

After World War II Dad put himself through school and taught for a while, then went to work for Southern Railroad.  He retired as the Supervisor of Communications for the company.

In his last years Dad taught himself to program the first computers and to read, write, and speak German.  He died in 1991 after a courageous struggle with cancer.

Jim

I want to be like my big brother Jim when I grow up.  He is like dad; he can do anything and does everything well.  Jim is a well respected artist and art professor.

Jim was the perfect example for his younger brothers as we followed him through school.  My first date would have certainly been a disaster had he not called me aside, dressed me, told me I needed more money, and made me check the clock.

He still does the same things with his students and it's easy to see how much they love and respect him.

I don't get to spend nearly enough time with him.

Don

Cookie was the best of the three Neel boys.  He was the musician in the family and a registered trauma nurse.  The man loved animals and volunteered his off time at the emergency animal clinic in Birmingham.

Don died in his own emergency room after an accidental shooting.

I miss the days we would strum along together, singing our favorite songs.

Lynn

Colin

Bill

My father-in-law is the consummate Southern Christian Gentleman.  He is my human spiritual pattern by which to live and I know I will never measure up.  Bill is a fantastic businessman and vice president of a prominent real estate company back home.

Bill didn't even flinch when I asked him If I could marry his daughter, but he took the time to give me sound advice.  I still remember everything he said.  I believe he may have been the only one who had no reservations about me marrying Kim, at least he didn't let on.

The only time he has ever lost his temper with me have been on the tennis court and while playing Uno.

Sylvia

Sil (my spelling) is my spiritual mentor and bull monitor.  We were good friends before I even noticed her daughter; we called her Ranger Lady in those days.  She was the most supportive person in my life as I struggled with going in the Army and while I was in for my first enlistment.

The say you should have a look at the mother if you're thinking about marrying a girl...well, there you go.

Sil is the most thoughtful person I know.  I have never gone home for a trip or had her visit without receiving a book, article, or some other reference to a subject we discussed long before.  She remembers everything. 

Sylvia also has no problem putting me in my place.

Catherine

One of the many peripheral children brought home by the kids that I have adopted.  Cate didn't need adopting, but we became "Lost" buddies.  I got her hooked in the last season by handing her my first two seasons.  She caught up in time to watch the last five-or-so episodes with me, qualifying her as one of my "Lost Boys."  It was fun to have someone around with such fresh memories of the show.  Honestly, I'm not sure how she did it.

This photo was one of a series I took of her for her dad's birthday.

Ah, but she has moved away for graduate school, so we have to stay in touch by Face Book and the occasional text message.

Captain Sal

Once my Regimental Sergeant Major and then Cadet First Captain, Savatore came to the Institute after a tour in the Air Force.  He is a natural leader and did some great things here at the I.  Since graduating he has trained as an Air Force Combat Rescue Officer.

I enjoy the times he comes home, sitting out on my back porch, smoking cigars, downing beer, and telling stories.

This photo is from Independence Day 2009.  It wasn't meant to be "heroic," it just came out that way.

Captain Roger

Following Sal as RSM and then Regimental Commander, Roger continued the good things going on at VMI, but added fun to the equation!  Now a LT in the 82nd Airborne, he is Ranger qualified and is already back from his second deployment.

With roommates Phil and Evan, Roger was one of the original "Lost Boys" who would arrive every week, just before Lost to consume pizza, popcorn, chips, salsa, and Mountain Dew.  I miss the speculating that would take place before and after each episode.

The photo was taken as he stood in front of His Institute on his first trip home.