To kick off our new theme for The Novelty Girls, I’d like to tell you a story.
When my Dad was in the Marine Corps, he was a tough Drill Instructor in Texas training men to face the rigors of combat.
New recruits were tormented then much more than they are now and Dad would line them up and ask them, “Where are you from, soldier?”
They’d answer “Juneau, Alaska, Sir.”
My Dad would say “No, you’re not, soldier. You’re from Juneau, Texas and don’t you forget it!”.
“Yes, sir.”
After six weeks of torture training, they were ready to be shipped out. On one occasion, however, a rare visit from a general ended this practice and ripped some stripes from my father’s shoulder.
The general inspected the troops and asked the usual question. “Where are you from, boy?”
“Raleigh, Texas, sir.”
The general gave him a quizzical look and moved to the next soldier.
“And you? Where are you from?”
“Seattle, Texas, sir.”
Now my Dad was beginning to worry as the general shot a glare at him. He stepped to the next boy and shook his hand. “And where do you call home?”
“Atlanta, Texas, sir.”
Apparently, this was the last straw. Maybe the general was from Georgia. Dad never knew. “Atlanta? I thought it was in Georgia.”
“It is, sir.” The man began to sweat.
“Then why did you say it was in Texas?”
“The sergeant said every city is in Texas, sir.”
The general was highly offended. “He did, did he? And what about Washington D. C.? Does he believe the capital is in Texas as well?”
The poor soldier glanced at my father and swallowed nervously. “No, sir.” He croaked.
“No? Then where is Washington D.C?”
The boy cleared his throat. “China, sir.”
Yeah. My Dad didn’t go up the ranks in the corps.
In 2002, I lost my Dad, but I always remember that story and when people ask where I’m from I always want to answer “Fortuna, Texas.”
Happy Father’s Day.
June 15th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
What a great story Jen. I lost my dad in 2005 and have so many happy memories. Someday I want to write them all down, not that I will ever forget, but so my boys can see what a great guys he was. Happy Fathers day Dad.
June 15th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Heh… My dad was Navy. He actually spent time in the brig for getting sunburned.
June 15th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Exactly Elaina. I really hope I can remember the stories to pass them on.
And Diana, that sounds like an awesome story!!
June 15th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Omg, DC=China? Lmao! My dad would probably agree with that lol.
June 15th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
LMAO Loribelle. I knew you’d appreciate that story.
June 15th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
*snort*
Thanks for sharing that. It made me smile and get all funny feeling inside.
what a great gift he gave you.
have a happy father’s day.
June 15th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Thanks Bethanne. He was an awesome dad. I like to share him with others when I can.
June 15th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Welcome to Texas!
My brother was in the Marine Corps. I’m so sending him this post. He’ll laugh.
June 15th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
That’s an interesting and kind of touching story, Jen. I want to laugh, but oddly I feel like crying.
Happy Father’s Day.
June 15th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
I hope he likes it, Crystal.
Andi, I wanted to make you laugh. Really. LOL.
June 16th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Thats a great story
It makes me feel better about actually being in Texas…you know…since every city is here with me
June 16th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
LOL R.G. That’s right. And my Dad said therefore it is absolutely true.