Each year, I post a tribute to honor service. The aim is to highlight groups that might not otherwise be recognized. This year, I took it a step further. The Dickin Medal reminds us that humans are not the only species capable of honor and commitment. It has been awarded 74 times to animals for “acts of conspicuous gallantry and heroism in war.” That is the case with the subject of this story. He epitomizes valor and selfless devotion to duty, and that is why I’ve chosen to tell his story.
I post a story every July to honor the folks who've served. I try to focus on obscure people in each, not the heroes. This one is about the Women Air Service Pilots—the WASPs. Those brave women were true American patriots. But their story was hidden from all of us for over thirty years. The plot is a coming-of-age tale for children of the Greatest Generation… sort of a latter-day Pilgrim's Progress—and most of the characters are real. Please enjoy…
Harley and Ida Duran were share croppers and nice people in a time and place where nice people weren't appreciated. Share croppers were considered less valuable than dirt. However, there are those who can be nice and still persevere, no matter who their enemies may be. Harley teaches his enemies that it's okay to turn the other cheek... After that you make sure they can't smite you on the other cheek.
A father's misadventures while preparing for the birth of his first son by C-Section. This is a mostly true story with a healthy dose of embellishment and told with tongue firmly placed in cheek.
These are memories of my 45 years working in the Electric Power Field. Mostly as an Electric Journeyman Lineman climbing and building power lines across America. Traveling Linemen were called "Tramps". Many of my expressions, terms, tool names and actions are used only in the Lineman Trade. I will try to explain them as I go and try not to interrupt the stories. (Which, by the way, are mostly true) If any are not understandable to you, please Email me with the Link at the bottom. Thanks!