Days Gone By, Military, West Point Memories

A Killing on the River

The big Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser Station Wagon moved silently in a world of white. Conspicuous by its motion in a scene of winter still life, its three passengers rode without speaking in an atmosphere reflecting the moody gray of the overcast sky. With a slight turn of the steering wheel, the driver turned off West… Continue reading A Killing on the River

Days Gone By

Christmas 2002

The old man sat at an angle to the table, his grizzled features scant inches from some sheets of paper that had a stranglehold on his attention. His face had avoided acquaintance with a razor for some time and the growth there was a light gray, almost white. His gaunt frame was rack to a… Continue reading Christmas 2002

Days Gone By, Military, Thank You for Your Service

The Song Remembers When

My gym piped in music from speakers in the ceiling for those who didn't care to wear ear buds or headsets while working out. Unlike that of other fitness centers I found my gym's choice of songs pleasant even if sometimes they weren't conducive to a workout state of mind. Hugh Prestwood's poetic "The Song… Continue reading The Song Remembers When

Days Gone By

Once Upon a Time in the West

It was heating up out here in Arizona. We were expecting our first 90° day, on the way to the summer's triple digits. I was reminded of how nice it is to be able to get into my climate controlled Dodge Challenger and go anywhere, at any time, in comfort, a comfort bordering on the… Continue reading Once Upon a Time in the West

Days Gone By, Military

Texas!

Back in the late 1970s I was sent on TDY (Temporary DutY) to West Fort Hood in Texas to be Fort Benning's Infantry School Liaison to TCATA (TRADOC Combined Arms Test Activity) to test the target hardware and establish the procedures that would become the heart of the NTC (National Training Center) at Fort Irwin,… Continue reading Texas!