I had a day off. I actually took an unexpected nap. When I woke up I decided to go over to the United Vets club in Grand Island. Being a Vet, I find that Legions, VFW’s and the like are places I like to hang out when I am working on the road. The UVC in Grand Island NE is no exception its a very nice club. People however are people and on this day the bartender was different.
I walked in, took a stool next to an old feller that had 20 years or more on me. I ordered a beer, and introduced myself. He told me his name and what he has been doing recently, working team horses and trying to gain some traction in the horse pulling competition world.
The bartender brought me my beer and told me flat, do not buy him a drink and do not listen to him. I asked why. She stated he is not a member. I asked Member of what? “ She said any of the clubs and she does not know why he comes in here. “ Mind you this club is open to the public. This aggravated me. I thought it rude.
Me being me, I asked the fellows name, and I asked why he was unwelcome. He told me this: I am Leon Martinson and they do not like me because I am a life member at large of the VFW and will not pledge to this post.
I have no issues with that statement as I am a member at large myself, and I find that there are more of us than most know. Mostly because of shit like this bartender just handed out. We go to swapping stories. I order another round. The bartender says I told you not to. I told her its my money and if you do not like it we will leave. She actually said “well leave”. So I told my newfound friend, lets go someplace else and continue. He said, we shall meet again, I am walking as I cannot drive. I put him in my truck and took him home.
We talked for another hour or two, as it turns out he knew my Father, they were actually friends. They were on the only Airborne operation in Vietnam, they are Sky Soldiers. Leon and I talked a lot, I cried, and so did he. We both came to the conclusion that some people suck but some are truly brothers. I too am an Airborne Soldier, just like my father, and just like many others.
Keep you feet and knees together, remember your lowering line, and always keep 360 degrees of awareness. Remember our Fathers. For Leon and Dad I say AUDENTIA ET FORTITUDO The Herd!
Thank you for the story and most of all, Thank you for your service