For Gunner

By now, most of our friends know that "Gunner" is really just our son's nickname. Fourteen and a half years ago, I flew Apache helicopters and was a company commander. As the front seater of the tandem two-seater, my primary duties included working the radios and directing target attacks for the company. That crewmember was called a "Copilot/Gunner." Linda was pregnant at the time and while cradling the growing bulge in her belly proclaimed, "I have my own front seater, my own Gunner." Great, I thought. We'll call him Gunner. "No, that sounds too violent," I was informed. "Let's name him Craig" after the best man at our wedding. Well, of course, his real given name became Craig, but as Lauren has so aptly pointed out, "Mommy, everyone calls him 'Gunner' so that's what he'll be known as."

Well exactly one month ago today, imagine my surprise when we pulled into Fort Sill. There right in front of me at the east entrance, was a building with a large sign out front, "Gunner's Inn." Apparently, the artillery soldiers that are learning their trade here are called "Gunner". Coincidentaly, within our Aviation community the side door gunners are also called "Gunners". What I mean is they are CALLED "Gunner!" As in "GUNNER, TARGET! 10 O'CLOCK, 300 METERS!" (Which, of course, implies take care of things, Gunner! And they do very well, thank you.)

So here's your picture, Gunner. While I'm away on this deployment could you please do me a favor? "GUNNER, TAKE CARE OF THINGS!" (such as your mother, sister, and school work). Love you, buddy.

P.S. Later, I'll write how Lauren got her name. It's a good story.