July 25, 2008

“I can’t run scared nearly as fast as my platoon sergeant can run mad.”

Years ago, going against the lessons of experience and good judgment, I booked a connecting flight home through Atlanta on a Friday afternoon.  The odds of the flight leaving on time were stacked against me.  Some places (Hartsfield International Airport being one) consistently exceed their well-deserved reputations.  As expected, the odds won.  Seated next to me in the airport gate waiting area was a handsome young man – an Army man. We both had time on our hands.

Too weary to walk back to an airport clubroom and yet a bit too high strung to read something from my travel bag, I ventured into what would become a delightful conversation with this soldier.  He recounted experiences from Basic Training (Ft. Jackson, South Carolina if I recall correctly) that were simply hilarious.  He told of moving into Advanced Infantry Training classes and not being particularly fond of the small arms weapons repair instruction that he received.  We shared more laughs.

At one point during our conversation and in his captivating way, the young soldier shared thoughts he had of abandoning military service.  The days were long.  Training was tough.  He was lonely.  He questioned his reasons for joining the Army.

Expecting to hear a pledge of his commitment, I asked him what keeps him on post during those difficult days.  His response was immediate.  “I can’t run scared nearly as fast as my platoon sergeant can run mad.”     

I was, at long last, thankful to be in Hartsfield.

Whatever our motivation, I hope it continues to inspire us to do good things, which I’m confident this handsome young soldier went on to do.