Just Being a B.R.A.T. (Be Ready All Times. This book is dedicated to Military Brats everywhere since time began. When your Mother or Father say, “… you’re JUST BEING A BRAT… “ make sure you thank them for giving you the greatest life style anyone can imagine … being a Military BRAT! When I was growing up as an Army/Air Force Senior Officer’s BRAT, the worst thing my Father could threaten me with as a punishment was, “… I’ll send you to school with Civilians…” “Please Dad, don’t do that. They’re boring and can’t understand half the stories I tell them about who I’ve met, where I’ve been, or what I’ve seen and done!” Civilian kids have no structure in their lives.
“Born on the mess decks and under the gun, my daddy was a Gunner and I’m a Son of a gun.” Son of a gun Meaning a rogue or scamp - "you are naughty, you old son of a gun". Also used, although this is uncommon outside the USA, as a euphemism for 'son of a bitch'. Some say that the origin is 'son of a military man'. This explanation is disputed but, correct or not, the phrase is no longer used to convey that meaning. Let there be no doubt in your collective military minds that first of all I am a God fearing man and I tell the truth as I see it! The difference between a Fairy Tale and a good Sea Story is this: A Fairy Tale begins, “Once upon a time … “ and a Sea Story Begins, “Now this ain’t no shit … “ Well now, this book “Ain’t no shit … “ and he who tells a bigger tale will have to tell a lie!” And thereby hangs a tale.”
Excerpt
I’ve got a case of the ass. A big one. I’m not impressed with "Thank you for your service" which is becoming almost a cliche as "Have a nice day", or "welcome home" about forty years too late. It is appropriate for greeting someone at the airport dressed in DCUs. But to an old guy who’s been called a babykiller for forty years, its just rubbing in the salt. In January 1977, Jimmie Carter amnestied all the draft dodgers, deserters and other swine, proclaimed them my, our equals. That is a whistle which, like an expresident,
cannot be unblown. Then they elected a draft-dodger as president. Twice!
Now they wish to honor us, equally with those who spat upon us?! No, not really.
They’re willing, finally, not to honor, but to to forgive us for our service, forty years after the fact.
