On the left is my son Kieffer, on the right, DSG Gallagher an enlisted chap sporting the 11th ACR patch.
Kieffer bumped into Gallagher on a DECA trip when he qualified for nationals. Gallagher inquired after his patch and Kieffer explained that he got it from his Dad. The ensuing picture.
11th ACR used to guard the Fulda Gap - keeping an eye on the USSR from Poland during the Cold War. They did heroic things in Vietnam as an Armored Calvary Regiment. A gentleman approached me in the airport, with tears in his eyes told me he was a Vietnam Vet and had proudly served with the Black Horse. I was a part of a FIST Detachment with the 11th ACR - Forward Observer, Fire Support Team. When I see that patch, I immediately want to speak with that person, share with them, laugh with them.
We all identify, in different ways, with moments in our lives - the spaces between being busy - when we connect with complete strangers. We share simple and pure commonalities that capture for me the importance of names, woven into stories that remind us that we are all connected.
HOOAH - FISTrS
HOOAH - Black Horse Brigade
HOOAH - Ft. Irwin
3 comments:
I know nothing of regiments or anything of the military in general, but I still found this post touching. I am constantly amazed at the things that draw us together and bring us closer.
What a fantastic picture.
Also, glad to see a new post.
Every since the last one, Andy has been singing "Coloradoooooooo, my HOOOOOOOOOOOOOME" from The Unsinkable Molly Brown.
That'll teach me to expose him to the finer things in life.
Andy needs to get out more...
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