Serving my country

Today I went on a catering job with my dad and some friends from Charlie's Chicken to serve breakfast to our soldiers training at Camp Gruber in Braggs OK. I was in charge of sausage patties. One per soldier...strict orders. No favoritism and no seconds til everyone has eaten.

It wasn't a hard job, just an early job. We had to be at Charlie's to load up at 4am and leave Fort Gibson at 4:30am. We arrived and got set up and started serving the soldiers about 530am. We will be serving supper to night and breakfast again tomorrow before they head home.

They came in with sleepy eyes and bed head. I was cheerful and greeted each of the men with a nice "Good morning". After a few went by, my dad leaned over and said, "Quit being so cheerful....some of the men don't like that." I just smiled and kept doing it. :o)

There were few women that came through....only 5 if I counted right. I have always admired women in the service. It is not for me, but I am glad it is the calling of some.

I observed alot.....the soldiers now have different cammo print than the green I have been used to. They all still have the military hair cut even though they are National Guard and do not serve 24-7. most of them ate hot sauce (Louisiana Hot Sauce , not salsa) on their eggs. Just because they are eating a meal does not mean they can let their guard down. They still must maintain their focus.

Dad said during the summer months when they train for Air Assault School you are instructed not to address or talk to the soldiers. They are herded in and they have to gobble their food and get out. They are still under training mode even during meals. The Instructors are watching them like hawks the entire time.

This is something fun to do this weekend since I am not on call to do drugscreens. It is a way to make a buck or two and give something back to the soldiers who are serving us. I will give them "service with a smile" no matter if they want it or not. :o)

*Yawn* That early wake up call is catching up with me.........