Anchors aweigh, doughboys
We spent most of the past week at Norfolk, Va., home of the Atlantic Fleet. Our purpose was to attend the annual convention of the 99th Infantry Division Association.
The old doughboys who marched away to war 60 years ago were inspired to see four aircraft carriers, many nuclear submarines, and countless other ships at Hampton Roads. The sailors and their ships were home from the Iraq war and glad to be back in time for the Independence Day holiday.
We viewed the gigantic fireworks display from a high hotel room overlooking the water. What more can be said about that?
Our ranks are growing thin, not in personal body fat but in numbers. In 1996, only seven years ago, the 99th had 1,200 in attendance at Pittsburgh. Each year the number has grown smaller. This year fewer than 500 were present. Next year, in Biloxi, it will be less and also the following year in San Antonio. Eventually it'll be small enough to visit Wichita, where no hotel would hold the group in the past. Perhaps, if the trend continues (and it will), the 99th may come to Marion County.
Our waterfront hotel was grand and glorious. But they kept the place too cold for old bones. Hotels, airport terminals, stores, and public buildings could turn up thermostats to the 70s instead of chilly 60s. They'd save million of dollars in so doing, and it would be more comfortable.
Donna Bernhardt was in total charge of the convention and did a masterful job of administering what is a challenging task. She was assisted by her daughter, Jessica, who is capable like her mom. 99th veterans appreciate Donna. They've turned it over to Donna, and are pleased with her careful and precise manner in taking care of their business throughout the year as well as the annual conclave.
We kept careful count of things, and discovered that the most often used word was "huh?"
Those who complain about poverty in the USA would have agreed it's bad, if they'd been with us. The young girls lacked sufficient material in their blouses to cover their navels, and the young men lacked enough cash to get haircuts. It hung down their back, offering more cover than the girls' garb.
But, it was the Fourth of July, we were at a naval (not navel) base, and we old codgers got a bang out of it.
— BILL MEYER
