Another "Band of Brothers" (Updated from 2/7/2015)

 

"In one of his last newsletters, Mike Ranney wrote: "In thinking back on the days of Easy Company, I'm treasuring my remark to a grandson who asked, 'Grandpa, were you a hero in the war?' No, I answered, but I served in a company of heroes."  

-- Stephen E. Ambrose, Band of Brothers: E Company

One night in 2015, I found myself, as I do most every Friday evening, at Cigars in the Pass. It isn't that I go there to smoke the occasional cigar, which I do, but it happens to have local tap beer not found in most establishments along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. A couple of these are so rich and dark, with chocolate, coffee, or citrus flavor, you can only drink one or two, and the price for this treat will set you back a bit more than a domestic "lite" beer they have on tap, but they are definitely worth the price of admission.

Cigars is one of only a few places, on the main street in our sleepy town, where you can get a beer.  Between Cigars, Whiskey, and Bacchus on the Beach, you'll find a selection of fine beers. Bacchus has three bars, now. Two inside and one outside. The crowd is generally middle-aged, and middle-class, with a smattering of younger and older.  I've seen a couple of pretty single ladies cruising this particular bar scene, but they really need to learn that outfits of dark leotards, boots, and a baggy sweater aren't even enticing bait for a man my age.  But, this is what you find in a sleepy little town.

One night at Cigars, however, I found the crowd along the bar was populated with a jarhead, a grunt, and a zoomie (like me).  The owner, an ex-Navy man, rounded out our little "band of brothers."  It was an evening of stories; stories of battlefields, and bistros, military fathers and grandfathers, the fatherly discipline of family, and the "old school" discipline of military basic training; stories of life, death, love, and patriotism; stories of sacrifice and faith. Underlying it all, you could feel the story of God, Mom, and apple pie.  There exists a camaraderie among the military "family" that few people, except, perhaps, first responders, can understand.  It is a willingness to die for the soldier next to you, to die for a patriotic ideal, for those people you don't know but who represent everything we are. 

"I praise God that I live in a nation that is protected by soldiers, both men and women, who wake up every morning with just one goal in mind: to fight for freedom. Because of what they do the United States of America remains free. Soldiers spend many days, weeks, months, and even years away from their loved ones to meet this goal. The love that they have is unfailing, and it is displayed by their bravery and dedication."

-- Pamela Rose Williams

We drank beer, lit up stogies, laughed, cried, and offered up a toast blessing these United States of America.  We were black, white, and brown, Baptist and Catholic, democrat and republican, Army, Marine, Air Force, and Navy.  And, even though we were not graced with the Coast Guard, for a few hours in a small, smoke-filled bar, there existed a band of brothers.  I think we all accepted that the "Coasties" were there with us in spirit.

“Everyday US Marines make possible the impossible and then go about their business like it's just the way things are supposed to be.”

-- Mark W. Boyer

There is a saying in the Marine Corps, made famous by Master Sergeant Paul Woyshner during a barroom argument, "Once a Marine, always a Marine!"  This is very true, but it goes beyond the Marine Corps.  It goes to the heart of every patriot to ever serve their country, "Once a soldier, always a soldier."  For those of us that have been blessed to serve with other nations, or to socially "bump into" our military adversaries, one can even say it crosses national boundaries.  

There is an "unspoken" code of honor among the true military, or there was; I'm not sure anymore.  I know that, for my generation, and those that went before, we weren't always ready to set aside differences and find common ground, but it would happen anyway, if only for a short while, in settings not unlike that at Cigars.  I have been graced with memories of drinks with foreign military members, where the language barrier crumbled under the weight of the beer, vodka, bourbon, and laughter.  These were people, like the American military, not afraid to lay it all on the line; to sacrifice all to protect an imaginary line in the sand, a way of life, and a belief; people that would jump on a grenade, with little hesitation, to save their comrades.

"They've got us surrounded again, the poor bastards."

-- Creighton W. Abrams

Would I do it all over again?  At 60 I'd answer, yes.  At 70? I had to think for a second... but for only a second.  If they called me back to service, I would run to the calling, as many of us would.  It is a hard emotion to explain, but I think our emotions can be felt by those standing on the outside looking in.  If you ever have the opportunity to witness a "band of brothers" at your local watering hole, wander on over and listen.  I'll just bet you'll be able to feel it.  "It" is a pride, a knowledge that you have actually been a part of something greater than yourself, a love of family and country, a love of God.  It is an overwhelming feeling of patriotism and faith that cuts through all boundaries to define those brave souls who take an oath and serve.

I cannot wait for the next gathering.  Oorah!

“If you have no capacity for violence then you are a healthy productive citizen: a sheep. If you have a capacity for violence and no empathy for your fellow citizens, then you have defined an aggressive sociopath–a wolf. But what if you have a capacity for violence and a deep love for your fellow citizens? Then you are a sheepdog, a warrior, someone who is walking the hero’s path. Someone who can walk into the heart of darkness, into the universal human phobia, and walk out unscathed.”

-- Lt Col Dave Grossman, U.S. Army (Ret.)

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch - it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either view any more right or wrong than the other. Opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form their own opinions, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint.

I fervently hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning those opinions offered. After twenty-three years of military intelligence, I believe that engaging each other in this manner, and in this arena, is a way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience... and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. Following his service career, he spent 17 years working with the premier and world-renowned Western Institutional Review Board, helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. He also served 8 years on the Board of Directors for the Angela J. Bowen Foundation.

Ordained in 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As a weapon for his war on intolerance, he chose the pen. He wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's personal, spiritual path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony at: tolerantpastor@gmail.com