This picture from my previous line of work recently surfaced. Circa 1994 at the USS Bowfin (SS-287) Memorial, in Pearl Harbor, upon the occasion of my second re-enlistment. I was but a young Machinist's Mate Chief (Submarines) at the time, with orders to the USS Houston (SSN-713).
I do not get misty or nostalgic thinking of my Navy days. I do not regret one single day of my service, but you won't find me bellied up to the bar at the local VFW, saying "This is a no shitter..." (Pardon my French, but that's Navy jargon for "I'm about to weave a tall tale, which is based only in small part upon true events")
Besides, I didn't have any horses.
12 comments:
Very handsome pic of you! Maybe you oughta share a few of your stories...I am sure they would be quite interesting to hear about, even if you ended up stretching them a little. :)
There's just somethin' about a man in uniform...
Your Navy years was one life adventure ...the horse life you lead now is another. I don't think we should regret our past adventures, even the ones that might not have turned out so well. Every adventure, every decision, every day molds us and brings us to where we are today. It's all good.
: )
You was a dashing young man! As for story telling you can tell your adventures then with out telling tall tales. For you can tell young ones what it was like when you was in & teach them history. Besides some people say that horse buyers do like some of those at the VFW. I mean kind of stretch the truth but in a good way.
Your love for horses you had then & now is your life. That's not a bad thing. My late husband was in the service too & horses was his love as well. So that's not a bad thing! He had a big heart! Our lives was filled full of love & excitement in all good ways.
My Dad is a navy man. He joined before he finished high school in the 50's. He never really talks about it except that it taught him to be neat and respect what little stuff you had on ship. He traveled all over the world. You'd think he'd have something more to tell! Then again, maybe you don't tell those stories to your daughter.....
Please accept a heartfelt 'thank-you' for your service to our country. I am grateful for you...and that's no sh****r!
I will begrudgingly concede a point: the Squid dress uniform (chiefs and ossifers) is pretty danged sharp. Uncomfortable, but sharp. You're cutting a fine figure in the pic, BR.
I hope I don't come off as overly nostalgic with my military-related posts. Like most things in life, there are days I miss it and days I don't. Some days I wish I could go back, too. But those days are pretty danged few and far between. ;-)
No regrets, tho.
There is just something about a man in uniform...my heart is going pitty-pat!
Nyuk!
BR, I honestly think the Marines gots the sharpest garb...but that's just me.
Regardless, you were lookin' pretty sharp there. I often wish that I had at least signed up for one go-around in the US military. Never did. Long story...
But, I certainly enjoy the "no shitters" of those that did.
And then sometimes I hearken to Toby's words... "I shoulda been a cowboy...shoulda learned to rope and ride..."
You got the best of both worlds. (Except for having that Auburn chick as your boss.)
Forgive me for this plug, but if you get a chance to read my post "Life Lesson 1,323,566"...because it makes me wonder if you weren't recently in the Southeast...
Love and Life: I suspect that many of stories are probably "classified" and might get me hauled off to the hoosegow. But I'll put my thinking cap on.
Lou: You're making me blush. LOL!
Runs with Horses: I have no regrets, and suspect that in later years I will wax nostalgic about the days I spent poking holes int the ocean.
BSOTF: I can see where horse traders and veterans might have some things in common!
Jill: I suspect that the military instills good values in many who serve. And yes, I suspect the stories are best left untold!
Kate: You are most welcome. It was my pleasure.
Buck: It is a sharp looking uniform, although it wasn't much fun to wear. Trying keeping white clothes clean.
Andy: I agree, the Gyreen's do have the best uniforms.
Kipp: I can see where you might think that, but I haven't set foot in the region since 1985. Glad to hear you survived your chance encounter with a SEAL.
There is definitely something about a man in uniform, though what it is I am not at liberty to disclose. ;)
Great picture, BR.
And, yes, thank you for your service.
Is horse ownership even remotely similar to the military? I have only experienced the former. Growing up in Berkeley, I didn't consider the military much, but once freaked out my parents by telling them I'd enlist if the draft were reinstated.
Hey, how else could a Berkeley kid rebel, right?
The jarheads may have the best-looking duds, but the Navy does some nice tailoring. I remember some of the Navy gals from weather school looked uncommonly sexy in that all-black outfit....
Navy stories start with "No shit," and Air Force stories start with, "There I was." What's the joke about the other two?
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