Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Veteran's Day 2011

Friday is Veteran's Day. Today out of the blue I recieved a gift I can never properly thank Allison or my friends Janet and Joyce for. I recieved a shadow box reflecting my career in the US Army. My name, my sergeant stipes, my MP insiginia and patch, 3rd ID (Rock of the Marne) Patch, my fruit salad and medals. These things reflect my service, but most importantly each one reminds me of someone I served with, something stupid or sarcastic (cause what are the chances that would come out of my mouth) I said at one time, a situation, an alert, and yes even war.

The 3rd ID patch and 18th MP Brigade patch remind me of my 981st family and all the things we did, suffered through and learned. I can still see my former road partner Tim Bryant sleeping on my balcony because he was certain someone was stealing his car when he was snoozing. I can hear Jan Arbter-Anderson laughing her way up the stairwell after a night of drinking. She's the only human being I know who can laugh with a Wisconsin accent. Hearing LT. Spanton say that she liked PFC Graskey because "she does her job and she doesn't complain."

The Kuwait Liberation Medal, and Desert Storm Medal, remind me of my war. I didn't go for oil, I went because it was my job and it was more than worth it. I think my buddy Rene might agree that me not playing the gay card was a good thing. I was given many chances to either run to Canada (my dad's request, but don't bust on him too badly, he was a Vietnam Vet and got hit on Hamburger Hill and agent orange killed him way too young), or play the gay card. It never crossed my mind. Service to Country is a family thing. I don't think what I did is all that special. I had wanted to be a soldier since I was eight years old. I made that happen, I loved doing what I did and I'd like to think I was good at it.

With the exception of the Purple Heart and jump wings I matched my father's record, ten years, one war, lots of fruit salad and bunches of good stories that revolve around rain and mud soaked boots, lots of beer, and stuff that no one would believe is true unless you were there.

My favorite time in the Army was when I was an MP. Once an MP always an MP.

Happy Veteran's Day my fellow brothers and sisters. It was my pleasure to serve with you, drink with you and learn from you.