Giving Back to the Veterans

One of the key points of the American Bando Association is "to honor the veterans who fought and died in the Burma-China-India [CBI] Theatre of World War II in the Burma campaign." To me, this means honoring all of the veterans of all the wars in which men and women devoted and sacrificed their lives to protecting what they loved.

My friend, Jesse, was selected to partake in the Warrior Hike this year. It is a mission to "Walk Off the War". These 10 men and women were chosen to hike the Appalachian Trail, and to spread the word about the need for added support for our own veterans.

Jesse has been hiking since March 17th, 2014. I have known Jesse since 2010, when we worked together at a local motorcycle shop. And in these four years, I have come to know a strong, charismatic, fun-loving man who is fiercely devoted to his family. To know him, and to be considered his friend, is an honor.

The American Bando Association is hosting a national tournament on May 23rd, 2014, in Virginia, just about the time that Jesse is going to be passing through Virginia. After leaving the tournament that Saturday, I will be finding transportation to meet him on the Appalachian Trail, and to help him with the "Virginia Blues" (named so because the hike through Virginia is somewhere around 500 miles). My intention is to hike somewhere in the nature of 100 miles with him.

This is my way of giving back to the Men and Women who have supported my personal freedoms by giving their lives. I can't say to everyone to come out there and meet us on the trail, but I can encourage you to support the Warrior Hike.

"I do and give, because I can. And given that I can, therefore: I must."

Unveling

What is said, I'll hear, and believe as a half-truth. What isn't said and heard is what speaks the ultimate truth.

I'm coming to the realization that those I've chosen to surround myself with (old friends) aren't what I remember them as.

I realize now that "the old alliances are dead." (King Theoden). I no longer fit into the old social circle I used to believe I belonged to, and subsequently dedicated myself to.

There comes many times in a person's life that they start to see the truth that's been surrounding them. "Let the truth have its day." (Alfred Pennyworth).

I've elected to retreat into myself and evolve, much like the caterpillar makes a cocoon and emerges a butterfly. This seems that it should be done no less than every 3 years. Bando bases itself on the 3-6-9 principle, and is thus engrained in the psyche of all humans.

Look at how we choose to believe something. A person can show us one, then two examples, and we're still skeptical of the facts laid before us. But when proof #3 appears, we're all in. Watch a few movies/TV shows and you'll see what I mean.

The whole point of this rant is that I've realized where I am, and taken time to see what surrounds me. I am no longer one of the old friends. I'm an outcast. I don't fit into the mold. Like a smaller square peg fitting into a larger round hole. It fits, but it isn't quite right.

This doesn't mean there's anything wrong with me (or you). It means that I've changed, and where I once went no longer takes me as I am. And so, I must move on.

There is no animosity here, nor should there be. We changed. We grew. And We no longer fit. It's time for me to take the path that's been laid out for me. And I don't give a damn if you like it or not.