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June 14, 2004

The Military

One is left with the horrible feeling now that war settles nothing; that to win a war is as disastrous as to lose one
- Agatha Christie (1890 - 1976)

It is inevitable for a fraternity to avoid the military and its long reach into the college man's life. Ever since the first days of the inception of greek-letter societies, young men have been targeted for possible drafts, recalls, or deployments. The cataclysmic second World War all but silenced the voices of these young men, and fraternities across the country scattered to hold on to whatever resources and men were dwindling under their umbrellas. Alpha Kappa Lambda was, and is, no different. Adam Janot left today for the United States Marine Corps Reserve, scheduled to be done with training in time for the Spring semester. David "Flounder" Dickman, my younger brother, left three weeks ago for Lacklang AFB for his training. He should be back a week into this Fall semester. With the incessant "peace-keeping" operations in Iraq, and the long wait for the anticipated people's democratic rise to power there, along with the constant turmoil and unrest, the chances of being deployed are greater now than they have been since 9/11. It would be rough on the guys if it happened to one or more of us.

Chris Wirshing, past president of our chapter and all-around smart-ass, did the same as David is doing right now: basic and advanced training for the Air Guard. He just graduated a few weeks ago, and it helped teach him discipline and respect, along with helping him pay for school. We hope the same applies to David and Adam when they return.

We held a going-away party for Adam last night at Jason and Jeremy's house. Chris even custom-made some brands for the guy out of coathangers he was planning on heating by the bonfire. He had a U, an S, an M, and a C all ready to go at Joe DeMay's suggestion, but Adam gracefully refused. He even refused getting a tattoo across his chest before he went. The DIs would have definitely loved him had he proved his dedication to the corps like that before even stepping into his first uniform.

I also passed around some pen and paper and let everybody write David something. Justin Payne probably misses him the most. It's been three weeks now since he's been gone, and I sent him the letters from everybody through the mail today. Hopefully he's toughening up and learning some discipline while he's down there. Deep down, I think it's everyone's hope that these two guys come back as real men. All grown up, and ready to tackle life by the horns.

And if there's one thing I think our membership needs more than anything right now, it would be maturity.

Posted by Danny on June 14, 2004 12:25 PM