Ode to the Universe

[Subsea]

Last night, I spoke with my nephew, who retired 4 days ago from “Force Recon in the Marine Core We had not talked in 7 years since we buried his father. I was impressed with his stature during this time and wanted to have that “Band of Brothers” moment. I had just spread ashes in my garden from two other brothers that died in the last 5 years. Frank, my youngest brother had fought Cancer for 10 years. He helped me fence in 50’ by 30’ garden during his last year here in Austin. Robert was a decorated Vietnam pilot on Caribou C123. Designed for short dirt runways, these airmen joked about not wearing parachutes saying “the fall never hurt anybody. It was the sudden stop.” They flew too close to the ground for parachute to open in time. When helicopters replaced need for short runway aircraft, this group of pilots were slated for B52 navigator missions. The navigator on a B52 is also the bombardier. Before training started, Robert refused to drop “cluster bombs” on civilian targets, he was Levinworth bound until two Cajun politicians intervened. Edwin Edwards was a contender for Louisiana governor and Russel Long was Committee Chairman for Senate military appropriations. Both knew my father from his early days as The Golden Rule banker. After 90 days of confusion, Robert was assigned “head of training” to formulate SOP’s along with rigorous QA & QC protocoal to train navigators. Robert was decorated & promoted to Major after training mission was completed for B52 missions that brought Hanoi to the “peace table”. We spread Roberts ashes on a New Mexico mountaintop. I kept some of that dirt and added it to my garden. I am at peace to know that I will merge my dust with my brothers who have past before me. I believe I will see my brothers in another place.

I salute all men of distinction that claim Authentic Manhood. At this point in my life, I have found value in service to others.