January 6th was not a good day for our country, nor our republic. The angry mob that stormed the capitol and threatened violence on elected officials certifying the presidential election results cast doubt on our country’s ability to safely transfer power to a new administration. When I received the call asking if I was available to support the 182nd Infantry Regiment for their security mission for the inauguration, I knew it was the opportunity of a lifetime, with the mission itself being the purest example of the military’s role in supporting and defending the Constitution. It was a remarkable experience I’d like to share with members of the First Corps of Cadets.
Read MoreThe VAFCC is dedicated to honoring all First Corps of Cadets, living and deceased. The annual Memorial Day Ceremony is always marked by a wonderful gathering of 211th Military Police Battalion members, VAFCC members, family and friends. Taps is played beautifully; a march is held faithfully; the fallen are memorialized solemnly. Always, that is, except in 2020.
Read MoreOne of the things I love about living in South Boston is its history of military service, and its commitment to paying tribute to those who served. Examples of this can be found at Medal of Honor Park, home to one of the first formal Vietnam War memorials in the country, dedicated in 1981. The park itself is named in honor of the three South Boston residents to have earned the Medal of Honor: PVT George H. Nee, PVT Frank O. Walker, and PFC Michael J. Perkins, whom the Natick Armory is named in honor of. Along the Boston Harborwalk, you’ll also find memorials to honor those Southie lost in the Korean War, as well as World War II, and both are beautiful tributes to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Read MoreI remember a few months back when I first learned of the mysterious illness in China that caused people to collapse in the streets and inundated hospitals. It was unsettling, especially given the initial counterproductive response from the Chinese government. But we’ve been through this before, with SARS, MERS, H1N1, and though there might be some extra precautions or inconveniences we might need to deal with, life for us would go on. I continued preparations for the 2020 South Boston St. Patrick’s Day / Evacuation Day Parade, signed up for the NGB’s Strategic Planning & Execution Course, and booked a trip to Key West with my wife and some friends. Now, a few months later, due to COVID-19, none of things will have happened.
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