Late for Work

Gene retired in his early 50's and started a second career.
However, even though he loved his new job, he just couldn't
seem to get to work on time. Every day, he was 5, 10, 15 minutes late.

But he was a good worker and really sharp, so his boss
was in a quandary about how to deal with it. Finally, one day,
his boss called him into the office for a talk.

"Gene, I must tell you, I truly like your work, you do a bang-up
job, but being late for work nearly every day is quite annoying
to me as well as your fellow workers."

Gene replied, "Yes, sir, I know. I'm sorry, but I am working on it."

"That's what I like to hear," his boss said. "However, the fact
that you consistently come to work late does puzzle me, because
I understand that you retired from the United States Air Force,
and they have some pretty rigid rules about tardiness. Isn't
that correct ?"

"Yes. I did retire from the Air Force, and I'm mighty proud
of it!" said Gene.

"Well, what did they say when you came in late?"
asked his boss.

"They said, 'Good morning, General.'"