PVT Dang

Got out of Service back in '90. Came back in in June 2000. The power that be decided I had to go through MOS Transition training. Never mind I was trained to 40 Level but that's another story.

Anyway there are 15 some in the class with 4 SGT's. Me being one of them. The rest are made up of other ranks as the Brit's like to say with a smattering of AF or Navy types being trained up in the Big Green Machine way of doing things. And then there was Dang. Every Unit has one, if they don't they will soon get one or invent one. Dang is/was a lighting rod for Sergeants. Unshined boots, No haircut, No Shave. Not all at once, just something different each and every time. He wasn't even from my unit but somehow he became my burden to bear. He was a slick sleeve Private. That's way old school but basically the only thing lower then Dang was a Basic Recruit with no time in service and Dang was a retread with time on. Kids even graduate from basic with at least Mosquito Wings (PV2) or PFC (E3). Dang had nothing. Shows up one Weekend, Sneakers, No Boots. "Dang, Where the hell are your boots?" "Don't have any that fit me, Sergeant." OK, Skinny as a rail, six foot in bare feet and size 13 Clodhoppers. Christ on a Crutch, Kid. Alright, him fitted out with boots. Next Drill, Boots. NO Shine. "Dang, Why the hell aren't your boots shined?!" "No polish, SGT." Mumble, Mumble... OK, Got to supply, Get Kiwi, rags. Dang, My room 1900 tonight for polish party. But Sergeant, I was going to meet my Girlfriend tonight. "Dang, You'll meet Jesus if you're not there at 1900." And on and on and one. I actually used to look forward to see what the hell he'd do next.

The topper was when we had to go to 2 Week AT for final cert. 1St Army was going to be up to grade the unit as to how well they did compared to the AIT centers. Dang shows up with hair down to his collar and over his ears. "Dang, Get in the Truck." The other SGT asked "Where you taking him?" I guess they thought I was going to take him out and bury him in the impact area but too many people had already seen him. Him and another guy piled in the truck as we headed down to the PX. There was a Barber there who probably lost money on the outside so got hired by the Army. We walk in and sat down. Dang's turn came up and he climbed in the chair. Guy asks how do you want it? I told Him, "I'm paying for it. Just like mine. Skin on the side, just enough to part on top." Aw, Sarge." "Shut up, Dang." He lived, don't know how. We finished up, Everybody got their Certificates. Ran into Dang in Bosnia. He'd made PFC. Not sure how long he was going to keep it. Wasn't a bad kid. Just had to work to keep him up with everybody else.

FOG

I quoted Slim Pickens from Blazing Saddles the other day in the office. Some of the younger agents looked at me with a raised eyebrow. My response, you've never seen Blazing Saddles? Blank looks. Alright, What about Young Frankenstein? No response, For the love of all that is holy, did none of ye get a proper upbringin'? Young whippersnappers, dinna know a good show when ya lead im to it.


For your Viewing pleasure. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbWg-mozGsU

Pat Leister

Didn't know Pat personally but some folks I know did. He was blindsided by a illness and died much too soon. He leaves a family with a couple of small ones. If you would care to, remember him and throw a couple a bucks in the hat. He/I would appreciate it.

http://www.leisterfund.org/

another one

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u97NR--kr-0&feature=related Inspired? Now go shoot.

Shooters

Good tech. I am impressed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcT1mw0i4fE&feature=player_embedded

Deer Season

This kinda got its inspiration from Farm Girl bulldozing an Elk. http://tractortracks.blogspot.com/2011/03/elksplosion.html Deer Season in the Poconos results in increased deer movement and hence Collisions involving Deer. The Flatlanders think of them as Bambi, I just think of them as Rats with long legs. Anyway. They result in a 20-30 % increase in crashes as they do dumb shit when the hunting pressure like run out into traffic hence I get to write... A lot. One morning I get the call down off the three lane west of town. The township and the Boro are in a pissing contest over police coverage so the State Gets to/has to cover it until they kiss and make nice. It's about 20 miles as the crow files and not in our normal patrol range so I get to make a special guest appearence. I get there about a half hour after I get the call as I was way the hell down in the southern end of the county. It's about 7:30-8:00 and the morning rush is just starting to peter out. She was absolutely incandescent with rage by the time I pull up. Wasn't me she was jacked about however, it was the motoring public. First thing I had asked her if she was OK. Second thing I asked her was if she wanted the deer. She exploded at that. Reason she was pissed. Nine (9) people stop and asked her if they could have the deer, not one asked her if she was OK. She told them that GD Deer wasn't leaving until the cops got there. She had a big old Buick and she had crunched the whole front clip. Tow Truck time. I totally had the giggles the rest of the morning. The deer? Game Commision came and got what was left. Let's be careful out there.

Ruger

I have no emotional investment in this. I have the requisite 10-22 with a fair piece of glass and a Bearcat I use for teaching. Bill Ruger probably saved the Single Action Market with his Black Hawk Series of Revos and his shotties and #1 Rifles are Solid Working Guns. I just never got the warm fuzzy with his Autos either Rifles or pistols. A friend called me the other day and her hubby asked about the SR 9 and LCR. First one, Not bad, no personal experience with it but it feels and looks good. He has a P89 and a shotty but wants to add to the stable. SR 9 good. LCR, somehow I can't get my head wrapped around a plastic revo. Not saying I won't but it took me 20 years to finally warm up to the Glock. YMMV. Now go shoot.