Claude and Brenda met in July 1973. They were both relocating to Valdosta, Georgia. Claude, (Puppie), as he was called back then, was in the Air Force and had been assigned to Moody AFB, in Valdosta, GA. Brenda's Version I graduated from college and was moving back home to Valdosta, GA. Our paths crossed at the persistence of my Aunt Shirley, who was dating Claude’s roommate at the time, and wanted me to meet Claude. Shirley liked Claude and felt he was a good person that I should meet him. She insisted that I go with her to the NCO club to meet Claude. I on the other hand was adamant that I was not going to the base, as before I left Valdosta for college, we were not allowed to go to the base because of the impression it gave and the reputation of girls who went to the base to meet guys. But Shirley was adamant that things had changed, and it wasn’t like that anymore. So, we went to the club. When we arrived and were seated, another Sergeant came to our table, introduced himself, and sat next to me. Claude later showed up and Shirley started nudging me, saying there he is, that’s him. When I saw him, Claude was tall in stature, bow-legged, and I said, “he is cute.” The other person at the table, didn’t seem to have plans to leave. Claude was standing at the bar, when he turned around and saw me, at the table. He stared in my direction for a few minutes and then turned back to his drink. The person who was sitting there got up and left momentarily, and Claude immediately took the persons’ seat at the table. The person came back and stood behind his chair with Claude sitting in for an extended period, but we were engaged in conversation, that he never noticed the young man standing there, waiting on his seat. Claude's Version That Friday night I prepared to go to the NCO Commission Club (NCO) for a night of entertainment. I decided to wear my blue outfit, sprayed on a little Canoe cologne and headed to the club. Upon entering the club, I decided to hang out in the lounge area, it was crowded therefore I got a spot at the bar, ordered a drink then started checking out the people. As I gazed at the people to my left, there she was the most beautiful lady in the room. For a while I couldn’t keep my eyes from looking in her direction without staring. “Griff get a grip you are staring”, I said to myself. Minutes later, seeming like hours then the Sargent left the table, and I took the opportunity with NO hesitation. I grabbed my drink and made a bee line to her table, spoke to everyone then asked her “what’s your name?” “Brenda”, she responded. WOW! I was in a space I had never experienced before, her face was perfect, her skin slightly tan and glowing, her Afro full and encompassing her face and that smile was to die for, her speech was very soft, so I had to pay close attention to every word she spoke making sure I understood and respond correctly. Brenda is the first lady I met in Valdosta and brought the boldness out my personality which I was shy for the most part when it came to approaching women.