FianceeUvBigGuy (imported) wrote: Thu Jul 10, 2003 8:41 am
Riverwind,
I assume you meant WOBG when you entered MTBG, so I ask:
What did I ever say to make you think I considered BG to be the only one to ever serve his country?
I've been to the Wall with my dad and held his hand as he teared up while reading some of the names thereon. He knew far too many of them personally, as I'm sure you and many others here do. He found names of guys he's played with as a kid, served at various posts with, and he offered some little remembrance or anecdote about each of them.We both held up pretty well until he found a name or two that he had NOT known was on the wall. I guess that finally overwhelmed him. His grief knew no distinction between officer and enlisted, race or creed. They were Americans and his comrades-in-arms and that was what mattered most.
One name that particularly affected me was that of a young man named Bob Kalsu. Bob was an All-American lineman at my Alma Mater, The University of Oklahoma, during the 60's. He was drafted by a professional football team but then, unexpectedly, he gave that up to serve his nation.
Bob was commissioned as a 2d Lt., Armor, US Army. Not long thereafter he reported to Viet Nam, leaving a young and expectant bride behind.As Hollywood might have scripted it, Bob was killed in action and never even saw his child. His sacrifice and legacy loom large at OU and in BG and WOBG's hearts. BG's choice of branch, Armor, and his decision to remain on active service, rather than simply enjoy "La Dolce Vita", was inspired by Bob Kalsu's example and sacrifice.
I'm abundantly aware that BG is only a small cog in the machine that defends our way of life. I mentioned him and his service solely as an example of the type of human being that honors the tenet of "Pro Deo et Patria" above all else.
I'm regret that you misunderstood me, "Tio Rio", but be assured that my respect and affection for you remains undiminished.
Warmly,
WOBG (The Artist formerly known as FOBG)
PS: I think our friend "Bon Homme Andrew" has a valid point re: relocation of this thread.