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OPINIONS
Darrell Booth: Don't pass up a chance to thank our military people
I regret not having done it.
One Friday last month at about 9:30 p.m, I was on Concourse E at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. My wife and I were with friends and returning to Huntington with a short layover at Charlotte. The flight into Yeager Airport was going to be packed, as evidenced by the jammed waiting area.
As we made our way to some available seating, there they were. Two guys, couldn't have been more than 18, sitting together in the waiting area. They both were sitting there, outfitted in their Army Combat Uniforms (ACU), heads totally devoid of any meaningful hair, and displaying no rank or unit insignia. They were still in training.
The flood of memories enveloped me as I recalled sitting in the same airport, with the same disposition, almost to the day 25 years ago. I was 18, stationed at Ft. McClellan, Ala., and away from home for the first time. The Army sent us all home for Christmas. They called it Christmas Exodus.
I remember the excitement, independence and pride I felt walking in uniform through the airport. I also remember the homesickness of being in the service during the holidays, particularly those with greater nostalgia such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Age 18 is so, so, young, yet the military services develop these young men and women to such potential. So much it expects from and places on them. They carry an awesome burden.
My mind so powerfully raced backward in time that I almost felt I could've sat right down with them and fit right in. I wanted to go to them, firmly shake their hands, thank them and tell them that the whole country is behind them and so very proud of them. I wanted them to know how grateful we all are for what they are embarking upon -- for us.
Then, it intruded. My higher rationale nagged me saying that they would think I was some goofball, or goober, that they'd roll their eyes after I left. My heart and my personal history knew better. When I was in Europe in the Army and visiting Americans would come to us with kind words, we never rolled our eyes. We always were warmed and inspired by them. That's why we were there.
Well, I didn't do it. I regret not having done it. I won't make the same mistake twice. I would encourage everyone reading this to take every opportunity to thank the soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen and Coast Guardsmen for what they do. Take the time. Let them know. It means a lot.
Darrell Booth is an Army veteran and a sergeant with the Huntington Police Department.
