Troopathon 2009: Gratitude from a 'Dandy Lad'

I’m one of the few men in my family not to serve in the military. I am proud to say that I am not proud of this distinction. I regret not showing the valor of my Uncle Walter, who was captured by Germans, escaped, then allowed himself to be recaptured in order to spring some high level Resistance fighters from a concentration camp.

I feel less of a man because I did not lead my platoon through a leech infested swamp in the Pacific as my Uncle Lawrence did. I feel like a wuss because I did not, as my Uncle Zig did, capture an entire division of German soldiers.

My father was an Army sniper, his father was a member of the last active Cavalry unit, my other grandfather developed missile guidance systems. Cousins, uncles, great uncles, great-great uncles all served our country or currently serve.

Yet, despite this amazing bravery, this amazing willingness to self-sacrifice, the men in my family rarely talk about it. No bragging. No boasting. No condescension to the other “dandy lads” in the family like myself who have never had the honor of wearing our nation’s uniform.

We didn’t even know the accomplishments of my Uncle Zig until his funeral. Men we had never met, never heard of showed up to pay their respects. They were men in his platoon who’s lives he had saved. They shared stories of his bravery with us and Zig’s partner of 40 years, Ed. But Zig never shared these stories. I suspect it wasn’t because they were too painful or dramatic, but because he didn’t think much of it. It was “the right thing to do” the only thing to do when freedom and liberty are on the line.

The concept of the Troopathon is amazing. It’s so obviously a worthwhile cause one wonders why there aren’t events like this once a month. Heck, why not once a week?

It’s probably because the brave men and women in the military don’t ask for it. In fact, they don’t ask for anything. You know the old adage: “The squeaky wheel gets the oil.” Well, what if the wheel doesn’t make a peep? What if the wheel selflessly risks its life on a daily basis for your freedom, my freedom, and the freedom of people around the world?