A chance conversation

[jnyork]

Took the wife out to the Cracker Barrel restaurant for Sunday breakfast this morning. Got done and walked outside to wait for her while she shopped the knick-knacks in the little store there.

Older fellow noticed my "Air Force Retired" hat and engaged me in conversation. He was a Korean War vet who had flown F-86's there, then become a Flight Test pilot for the rest of his career. F-89's, F-100's, F-101's, F-102's, F-104's and F-4's, the last in Vietnam. What a hell of a career this guy had, what exciting times he must have had, said he made a equal amount of takeoffs and landings although the issue was in question on several occasions.

What a privilege to be able to talk to a man who had lived through all this history and made some of his own. His wife showed up soon and they left. Wish I could have spent the day with him.

A person should never pass up a chance to have a chat with a stranger like this, you wont pan out every time but occasionally your life will become enriched a little.

[Pete44ru]

.

Yep - better than "people watching"......


.

[Blaine]

[AJMD429]

One of the good reasons that certain hats or t-shirts should be worn; they help like-minded individuals meet.

[jnyork]

Yes, good point. I always were either "USAF" or "NRA" . I always have Vietnam Service ribbon on whatever hat. Get to meet a lot of kindred spirits that way.

Within recent memory a guy couldn't wear anything denoting him as a Vietnam vet. Things have changed for the better.

[piller]

One of the Priests in Ennis, TX where I work wears a hat with his Master Blaster wings on it. My own personal religious views put aside, I respect the fact that he earned those wings. Not everyone can earn them. Religious views, I respect him for having the faith to jump out of airplanes and prepare to go if called to combat. He obviously lived what he believes. I was a paratrooper, but I carried a fully automatic firearm when I jumped.