My parents came down to watch me graduate. I actually told then no need to come, its not that big deal. They came and it was like nothing I expected. I guess the accomplishment hadn't sunk in until walking the stage. I would of never forgiven myself if they listened to me.
Afterwords my dad said he had something for me in the car. Right in the JFK parking lot he pulls out a war trophy he brought back from WWII. I never knew he had it. I about tackled him to put it away. I had to inform him just because I am SF now doesn't mean I am above the law. Of course my mom is bitching at him the whole time. I told you he wouldn't want that thing. I wanted it but I like the Green uniform better then an orange one.
It could of been the shortest SF career in history if someone would of saw it. Well We disassembled it later on and concealed it so he could take his souvenir back to NY. I guess it's still mine but ill let old Dad hold onto it.
I am sure most can figure out what my dad pulled out of his trunk in broad day light. In a crowded JFK parking lot. Every time I saw him going in his trunk after that I would always say something like "what ya got for me this time Dad, ICBM, Bazooka, Fin from Little Boy, old can of Mustard Gas....etc" Its amazing what some old vets have lying around.
He is over ninety and not doing well today. I discussed with my brothers about his souvenirs. Maybe we will just let Dad hold onto them when he passes on
About the amount of SF living out near Camp Mackall, Southern pines area. I live on calloway road in Hoke county. I know at least half the people on this road are SF. It's a great place to live just for that alone. One guy up the road has a personal Museum in his Garage. He collects uniforms and displays them on Mannequins. Everyone says he was a COL in SF. I never asked him but it's pretty obvious he was.
Everyone just calls him Jack. One day ill remember to ask his last name. Might be on hear for all I know. He asked me to bring a turban back from A-Stan. I guess he thought I would forget. When I gave it to him months later is when I first saw his collection. Told him, thats what I call a GI Joe collection.
NDD we made his day giving him the FARC patrol pack.