Permission Granted, Honored to Serve

       I've paid tribute here to some more well known historical figures, as well as some lesser known with whom I felt you might want to become familiar. I have also occasionally eluded to several people closer in time and personal space that have inspired me, who inspire me still. As we are literally on the eve of December 7th, I am paying tribute today to Russell, one of the greatest of the 'Greatest Generation', one of the few remaining survivors of Pearl Harbor living in our state. While considered great in our extended family, he could just as well be part of yours; if you met him and spent any time at all in his presence (like some of of his newest caregivers), you too would want to adopt him as a grandfather. He would certainly make you feel welcome, as if you were one of his own. Hail-fellow-well-met, indeed.

Age of Minority, Permission Granted: As he attempted to gain entry into the United States Navy at age 16 (the age that youths these days may just be aspiring to obtain their driver's permit, at least their second or third gaming system), Russ had to coax his father to grant permission. While there is no first hand account of this conversation, based on the mutual respect we witnessed between father and son, we are pretty confident that the quote that is common among military parents, "I couldn't be more proud; I couldn't be more scared" was uttered by a proud while ambivalent mother and father that day. 

Welcome Aboard Sailor, Other Quotable Quotes: Throughout the 36 years I have known him, I have absorbed some great stories regarding his life on his family farm in Kansas and, those that are most applicable today, accounts of his time in the Navy, most of which were served during WW II. Like so many others who served our country, instead of references to any heroics or medals he earned, he dodges any attempt to elevate him, responding to inquiries with humility: "I loved my time in the Navy...I was just looking for a job...I just wanted to see the world". Which he managed to do, about half of it via the Pacific theatre. While he did come to appreciate his place in history, I never, ever heard him speak about attempts to kill the enemy, or about the role of politics in putting him and his shipmates in harm's way. Another story reflecting his humility and natural gift of humor, which has become one of my favorites, is when Russ was coaxed into boxing in his early Navy days: "He beat the hell out of me; I decided right then I was more of a lover". In response to a follow-up question regarding how many rounds he managed to go: "Too many!", accompanied by his signature infectious belly laugh. 

Amidships - from a distance, up close and personal: As he served, letters started arriving to his folks as well as bride-to-be, letters that would be a source of comfort and inspiration rather than cause for concern (from newspaper and direct accounts): Mr. and Mrs...received word that their son and his nine buddies have arrived at Pearl Harbor (just hanging with his buds, eh?)...Mr. and Mrs. heard from their son he had broken his wrist but no real cause for alarm...he is now at sea...Russ, a fireman second class has written his parents and sends his regards to all Wellington friends...After time with his parents and new bride (and just recently departed after 76 years of marriage) he will return to active duty" Mr. and Mrs. received a letter from Russ: "Just thought I would drop you a line about the weather and myself...I'm fine and having a swell time...in a hurry and you won't know where I am but above all else, don't worry..." What kind of person does this ?! I am reminded here of  the Paul Harvey account of Colin Powell and his wife, who protected each other in their letter writing from their own respective perils while he was in Vietnam and she found herself in the throes of civil rights conflicts.

Navigating the Seas : As we weather our own stormy seas these days, we have many people like Russ who provide us compass bearings, who have shown us how to navigate such tough times. Some are luckily still among us. Some are emerging. Others are being born into the crucible of a global pandemic. As long as we have men and women, servant leaders such as that embodied in Russell and his shipmates, we have reason to hope. 

I leave you on the eve of December 7th, with a "little poem you might like from the home town sailor", entitled "Blues of the Whitney": 

"They're waiting for a little news 

Of home and loved ones far away, 

A little news that will make them gay, 

So write a line a line this very day 

To try and chase the blues away,

Time flies and so does mail,

Please drop a line before we sail" -Russell