As you may or may not know, Ed Smock has been in and out of the hospital about half a dozen times this year for ongoing health issues. Ed asked me to let folks know that he is "OK". Here is an excerpt from a recent email I received:
From Smokey,
"I am presently in Kempsville Health & Rehab Center. Rm 605. Hospital not all they could be...
Primary rehab for Un-fixable issue of my food intake getting into my already near useless lungs.
Food and liquids are going wrongly into my wind pipe and causing near continuous P-MONIA with the lungs.
A lot of unknowns at this time.
My current position and lack of good plan not yet available.
No visitors at this time.
I will be OK..."
Ed
From me:
Now, I plead with the IUSS folks that reside in the Tidewater community to keep track of Smokey's
health issues and keep the community informed.
This man is special, our leader, and a good friend of all that has passed through the system.
Please keep Smokey in your prayers that he will have a complete and speedy recovery.
OMG!!!!! What depressing news. I’ve always thought of him as indestructible. He’s always been there. In my mind he’s most famous and well known name in the history of SOSUS. Get well soon old friend. You have my prayers.
What sad news. I've crossed paths with Smokey many times since 1963. I'm sure he's been a shipmate, mentor and friend to more members of our community than anyone. I live ten minutes from his facility. If he, or the family should decide it's OK, I'm sure many of us would love to stop by.
Please let Smokey know he is in our prayers and thoughts. I agree with John, please keep the community up to date. Get better old friend and know that you are very important to many people.
Smokey:
"YOU DA MAN" - always have been, and always will be. I think I speak for the entire IUSS/SOSUS community when I say how much you mean to all of us. We are all better for having known you. You impacted my career in so many positive ways. And - you continue to impress!
So - while you are going through some tough times, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Smokey, I am sure u will pull through this as u are a very tuff man and a mentor to many of us. We spent a few years together in the same room with desks near each other. Sounds like u have won another battle if u are going back to work. The best to u my friend.
I last spoke with Ed on Friday when (according to him) his daughter and granddaughter, the nurse "busted him out" of the rehab facility and brought him home. Said it was like a scene from "One Flew Over the Cooko's Nest" with Jack Nichelson. Ha! Still the same Smokey with that keen sense of humor. We had a few good laughs.
Ed was planning to return to work on Monday and I'm sure he did. Still pounding the matts 68 years and counting! A true legend.
