Honor Beyond Words

If you're a regular reader of Smoke on the Water or of many of the blogs linked on my sidebar, then you'll know that I'm the son of a U.S. Navy Submariner and a U.S. Air Force veteran myself.

You'll also be aware of the fact that I believe that there is no service more worthy of our respect than that which has been given, and which is being given today by the members of our Armed Forces.

Now then, one from the ranks of that aforementioned sidebar has stepped forward to take that Oath of Service which so many of us have besworn in years past.

And other plans are coming into play - you might remember my futile attempts to rejoin the Army, and how my eyes kept me out. Well, if the Lord works in mysterious ways, the US Army has him beat hands down.

At 1 PM this afternoon, I raised my right hand and joined the Army Reserve. I'll be placed into a unit based out of Spokane, WA. Traveling to and from drills will be somewhat boring for a few months, but I'll make do until I'm living closer to there.

Raging Dave, I salute you, sir.

I'm also proud as hell to call you my friend.

And hell yes, I'll meet up with you in San Antonio, Galveston or any point in-between. Be advised, sir, that your money will be no good at all in any bar we may visit.

I have absolutely no doubt that Raging Dave will make one hell of a fine Soldier.

Raging Dave has well-served the cause with his indomitable spirit; through his words, actions and the life that he leads.

Now then, he steps beyond mere words, and onto the Path of Honor trod by countless heroes before him.

Cherish every step, Dave. And enjoy the journey, too.

Now then, the requiste greeting for the new recruit. And tough luck if any of you don't "get it".

Hey Daaaavvvvee..... You're gonna be sorrrrryyyy, suckkaaaaaaa!!!!!!

Comments

[Rey]

Damn Skippy he will be! Rey USN(Ret)

[dgci]

How many remember this....arriving at basic training in your "rainbow" clothes (civvies, all those different COLORS, argh)...and hearing this:

"Rainbows, rainbows, walking by...
All those colors hurt my eye...
Rainbows, rainbows, walking past...
D.I.'s gonna dog your ass...

Sound off!"

[Guy S.]

ahhh the joy of standing at parade rest, attention, parade rest, attention, and so on...in front of the chow hall at 0:dark thirty in the morning. You will know it is morning for two reasons. 1: Your DI told you so! (that is the one that counts!) 2: You *may* have been allowed to sleep for an unknown amount of time just before arriving (via marching of course) at said chow hall.

God speed and best of luck to you Dave.....Now sound off like you've gotta pair!!.

[Raging Dave]

Jim... thanks for your kind words. And we WILL be meeting up for drinks and cigars while I'm down there!

However, since I'm prior service, I don't have to go to Basic Training again. I'm rather lucky, all I have to do is retrain into my new MOS. Heh. One shark attack is quite enough for my lifetime.

Now I just have to get back into shape. Running.... ugh.