When Old Veterans Get Together

When old vets gather at a pub to reminisce with their peers, And their tongues are mellowed with a few free-flowing beers, Raucous war stories and much back slapping are apt to befall, As unique people, places and events they tend to recall! Supercilious officers and their puffery is a subject of disdain, As are first sergeants and drill sergeants, who were their bane! A first sergeant tried to defend himself, but he didn't win, And was ordered to buy another round of beers, much to his chagrin! A marine proclaimed that the war would've been lost without Marines! A sailor declared the bravest guys cruised in submarines! This brought a howl from all the ground-pounding grunts, Who with one accord asserted they'd not tolerate such affronts! An air corps guy said it was the flyboys that saved the day! This elicited a retort from a coastguard vet who had his say! A quartermaster said it was he who supplied C-rations and boots, Showering upon his head a chorus of jeers, hollers and hoots! As time went on, they discussed the serious side of strife, The horror of war and dear comrades who had forfeited life. The final consensus was they'd won the war altogether. These are the things that vets talk about when they get together! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved)