What a day...

The linky there (click the post title) might be of interest. I obviously didn't make the video, but I'm honored to know the man. Another Link about Howard

Today I went with a small group from American Legion Post 10 to visit some of our wounded warriors at Walter Reed. Gerry, a Post WWII vet, organized the trip, and we were joined by Paul, a WWII Marine, and Howard Manoian. What a privilege.

If you don't watch the video, I'll fill you in a little bit. Howard was 82nd Airborne during the D-Day invasion. Remember in the movie "The Longest Day" when there was a paratrooper hanging from the church bell tower at Sainte Maire Eglise? Well, Howard wasn't hanging from the church, but he was hanging from a tree in it's cemetery. He's owned a home there since 1984 and spends part of the year there, and part of the year here with his son Chris, who also served in the 82nd.

Today at Walter Reed, Howard was very humble and it was clear that he was there to visit with and hopefully bolster the spirits of the troops we visited. We were led on a tour of sorts, so I can't say that those we got to visit were typical when it comes to their morale and attitude, but they were very upbeat and positive. One young man was severely injured in the middle of December, and they finally amputated his leg about a week ago. He's happy with his progress, and he's transferring to a job that will allow him to stay in the Army and retire. Another who had his insides put back in is also planning to retire. A third, a member of the 82nd, is looking forward to returning to his unit soon, and yet another is learning to use his left hand to write with. Most have family staying with them either at the Malone House, or in one case a local apartment.

After we returned to Manassas, Gerry, Howard, and I shared a couple of beers. All day I was treated to tidbits about Howard's life and pieces of history. And then there is his sense of humor; it's amazing what an 83 year old man can get away with! He was flirting with every woman around, ending the trip by calling out to a lady in fatigues "hey Sarge!" When she turned around, I said "Howard, that would be Colonel."

She was very gracious and seemed to enjoy talking with him, offering him her card as we were about to leave. He looked at it and said "You're an ordained minister? No shit!"

So the laundry didn't get done today, and I'm no closer to having sketches done for my editor, but to think that I didn't do anything worthwhile today would take a serious distortion of priorities.