I got to spend some times with some GI's this week.
People often ask me if I was in the military. As the son of a career Air Force flight engineer, I am quick to tell them I was “in” the first 18-years of my life.
The military is not for everyone.
But it was great to sit around the table and talk with those who have worn a uniform.
I want to be the first to say, there are two kinds of people in the world: Those who have been in the military and those who have not.
Military experience
Steve Davidson is a friend of mine. We were in high school together. Steve was a little rough around the edges, liked to fight and let me just say his neck was a much deeper shade of pink than most White boys.
And he joined the Navy right out of high school. Steve said often it was one of the best decisions he ever made.
Steve told this story of one of his first days in boot camp.
It seems he and his new “friends” were on the drill field with a big, Black, Marine Drill Instructor. For those who don’t know it, the Marines and Navy don’t always get along.
This DI walked up and down the line glaring.
He stopped at the first recruit and asked him where he was from. “California,” the recruit said. “California!” the Drill Instructor said. “There is nothing in California except fruits and nuts! Give me 25 push-ups!”
He stepped to the next recruit and demanded to know where he was from. “Texas, sir!” the recruit replied. “Texas!” the DI screamed. “You’re one of those proud, bragging kind! Give me 50 push-ups!”
“I figured this Gunny Sergeant was going to kill me when he found out I was from Mississippi,” Steve said.
And the DI stepped toward him.
“Davidson, where are you from!”
“Mississippi, Sir!” Steve yelled.
He said that Drill Sergeant then smiled, patted him on the shoulder, looked him in the eye and said. “Those boys from Mississippi make FINE soldiers!” and stepped toward the next recruit.
Mississippi soldiers
I love to hunt. I have never been one to blatantly rebel against authority. I was raised in a family where you were taught to respect God, country and those in positions of honor and respect.
You see, I'm from the South.
And that is one many reasons boys from Mississippi make such FINE soldiers!
A lot of men and women have answered this country's call and many have not made it back home.
You’ve seen the stories that tell how we are losing many of our Veterans. The soldiers from World War II have turned 90 and there are not many of “The Greatest Generation” left around here. Korean War Veterans are often the bunch quickly glossed over in the history books as students move from World War II to Vietnam.
Many of our soldiers from Vietnam are still struggling with demons. Not as much memories they carry from Southeast Asia – war is horror and all conflicts wound those who see combat – but those memories they experienced after they returned home and were un-welcomed by many in this country.
I'm glad to say we have apparently learned our lesson and veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan are being shown the respect they deserve for putting on a uniform and defending freedom.
People call us backwards, but Mississippians seem to understand a concept called Duty and the sacrifices that must be made to make our world a better place for us all.
Reach out to a vet
Life is hard and I have to believe life in the military is harder.
We have service men and women from Mississippi spread across this globe protecting the world and your freedoms as you read these lines. We need to remember them.
The holidays are a tough time for those in the military. They are tough on their families, too.
I hope you think about sending a card to your favorite veteran this Christmas. I hope you will send one overseas to the guys and gals there, too.
Every year, November 11 is a chance for us to come together and remember. May Clarksdale never forget.
Floyd Ingram, III is Editor of your Clarksdale Press Register. He has a picture of a young Floyd Ingram, Jr., dressed in flight gear on the wall in his office and understands how GI’s tick.
