Reelin' in the Years

[Seahawk]

As fortune would have it, one of my closest friends oldest son also became a Seahawk pilot and, was assigned to the same squadron I was a plank owner in 30 years ago, HSL-43!

A plank owner is one of the original cadre of folks that are there at the beginning of the Command.

He is deployed now and emailed me that they are seeking out scans of old patches and stuff, "from the day". A lot has changed over the years and they are putting together a 30 Year Celebration. Man, the patches look worn!

So, here is what I sent:

[GH85Carrera]

Cool.

Now you need to get him to arrage a tour for you. I bet you would enjoy a VIP tour.

Thank you for your service.

[Hard-Deck]

Hooah Paul. Cool stuff!

[Evans, Marv]

That's an absolutely great story. Thanks to both of you for your service.

[Chocaholic]

They go fast! Yes, VIP tour is in line. Thanks for keeping us safe.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Pilots always have cool goodies. Do you have an "I love me" wall in your house?

I've always found the brotherhood of military aviators to be incredibly cool. One of my favorite experiences was walking the halls of the Nellis AFB Red Flag building and looking at the matted photos, most signed by pilots and crew and including squadron patches. 30+ years of military aviation history on display.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Do you have an "I love me" wall in your house?

Sort of: I have an "We love trinkets" piece of furniture that a lamp sits on in the den. I had to move a few magazines and other stuff to snap this picture.

Lots of interesting stuff in here: My Dad's NEST Badge, Federal Agent of the DOE Badge, my Mom's Humane Society Badge and a bunch of other stuff.

If you know what you are looking at it is fairly interesting.

[M.D. Holloway]

Wow! Paul!!! Thats some serious alloy you got there...I had no clue.

[Rot 911]

Is the set of ribbons, 82nd ABN patch and wings your Dad's? I'm assuming they belong to someone much younger than you based on the last row of ribbons.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by Rot 911

Is the set of ribbons, 82nd ABN patch and wings your Dad's? I'm assuming they belong to someone much younger than you based on the last row of ribbons.

All the Army stuff is my Dad's, soon to be my son's.

His West Point Ring is in there, other stuff. I merged our ribbons and medals, although I left most of mine in a box.

[Rikao4]

ah the memories..
I'm looking at my P-38 ...
FT Dix's & my first C-ration come to mind..
it's stuff to most..
but treasure & tales of year's gone by..

Rika

[Tobra]

Bet you get the VIP tour even if you don't ask for it.

Originally Posted by M.D. Holloway

Wow! Paul!!! Thats some serious alloy you got there...I had no clue.

No kidding, but tell the truth, you are not even remotely surprised.

[BK911]

Cool story and trinkets.
Lots of bling bling!!
Time certainly flies by.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by M.D. Holloway

Wow! Paul!!! Thats some serious alloy you got there...I had no clue.

Not much, Mike, really...a lot of merit badges and end of tour awards, some interesting stories and a few moments in time I am very proud of, my stuff and my families.

The men and women coming home in the last decade are much more deserving and have the hardware to prove it.

The chest sits in a corner, lamp on top, the weeks reading in magazines obscuring what's below, exactly has it should be.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Very cool Paul. The understatement doesn't surprise me. The fighter pilots that I worked with have you beat in the "I love me" displays, but I'm sure that's no shock to you.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

---snip---

If you know what you are looking at it is fairly interesting.

I see a whole lot of character....integrity.....and honor there, Paul.

Thank you for keeping the world safe....