memories

This weeks viewing of the Reagan cermonies brought back some memories of my Dad. Seeing all the young men looking so striking in their full uniforms reminded me of Dad. My Dad was the perfect soldier. He was all spit, polish and shine. Nothing was ever out of place........he was extremely handsome in his uniform. I remember him polishing his boots, I still have the brushes that he used. Also, polishing all the brass with Brasso. So meticulous. I remember Mom sewing on all of his patches by hand.
For a time, my Dad had special duty directly under President LBJ. He even has a letter of commendation from LBJ thanking him for his excellent duties. My Dad was also assigned to be a General's personal driver. I was named after that General's daughter.
Unfortunately, a tour of duty in Korea at the DMZ took a tole on him, he was never the same when he came home. Something happened while he was there, he sometimes hinted about a mission he was sent to in Vietnam while serving in Korea. He would never talk about it.....he would tell Mom and I it was a top secret mission. He was not allowed to talk about it. We'll never know what it was.
I can only imagine my Dad on a top secret mission.....I am sure he accomplished that mission with flying colors.......afterall, he was the perfect soldier.