Memorial Day 2013

Way back, a long time ago, I was a Soldier. When I got out of the Army, I put my experiences in a locked box somewhere in my head, and decided to move on with my life. Now, I am a Sailor and I am a lot older. I think a lot more about my military service and experiences. Most of all, I think of the people I met in all the crazy places we were in. A Sergeant Major, on the day of my Basic Training graduation, said to us "The hardest part of your military careers will be having to say goodbye to your friends.".  Yes, SGM, you were absolutely right. I recently got in contact with my old platoon leader from my 61st AMC days.  He sent me some photos of our platoon - the ones that struck me the most were the ones from a platoon cookout - young men playing football and grilling bratwurst. I still can recall the names and faces of my friends and comrades, and the places still are familiar in my memory. I remember when I was brought in to see Top when I reported in to my first unit. He was an old guy, ready for retirement, and when he looked up over his glasses across his desk at me standing at Parade Rest, he narrowed his eyes and growled "How the hell old are you, Private?". It never occurred to my teenaged self that I looked too young to be playing Soldier.  Now, as an officer, I look at my enlisted kids, and wonder if we were ever that young.

I remember Hector. I remember Bruce. I remember John. I remember them all.

Happy Memorial Day.