Trip to Pensacola Naval Air Station (good news!)

[trof]

Miz t. and I went to the Ft. Barrancas National Cemetery for a memorial funeral service for her cousin's husband. He was a retired Navy Captain and Naval Aviator.

Security is understandably tighter at the gate, since 9/11.
When we stopped to state our business and show IDs, we were met by a young, black, Marine guard in a crisp fatigue uniform, and an older, white, civilian rent-a-cop. Why the civilian guard was there, I have no idea. Another Halliburton contract?
Whatever.
The Marine was all smiles.
The civilian was all frowns. He never spoke.
After we told him why we were there and showed him our drivers' licenses, he leaned toward my window.
"So...y'all think Kerry has a chance of beating Bush*?"
Wha? Oh hell. The Kerry sticker on the windshield and the Kerry sign in the backseat window on my side.
"Well, yes I do. I think he has a very good chance."
"I sure hope so. I don't think Bush* is a good man. I think he shouldn't be there. I like Edwards too. I think he's a good man."
"I agree. I think it's way past time for a change."
"OK, y'all have a good day now."
The civilian guard glowered.

I am VERY MUCH encouraged.
When the grunts are unhappy about their commander-in-chief, that's a very good sign for us.
Wish I'd asked him if he was registered to vote.

[ronnykmarshall]

1. Fantastic

I love hearing stories like this.

[hrhdeb]

2. that is good news. I hope he doesn't lose his job.

http://www.votewhileyoustillcan.com

[BrotherBuzz]

7. His job is secure

I believe the military is presently a growth industry.

[trof]

11. ha ha ha ha

Gave me a good chuckle.
Thanks.

[funkybutt]

3. I bet he'll vote (n/t)

[funkybutt]

4. BTW you really have some balls

driving onto a military base all decked out in kerrygear like that. I'm impressed!

[trof]

8. I'd forgotten they were there.

But...thinking about it...I don't think I would have removed them anyway. And I guess I wouldn't expect to be treated badly on a military base because of them.

[blm]

12. Alot of military are openly for Kerry.

Mr. blm's cousing is a Naval pilot training in Texas, and he said many on his base are for Kerry, including officers.

[BeFree]

13. Military bases

Bases are full of people who will lay down their lives for America and the freedoms we share. Bases are not to be afraid of. Banks, now that's something to fear. <grin>

[trof]

14. Yeah, what he said.

I think a military base is the last place I'd feel fear.
Now...the WalMart parking lot...that's a whole 'nuther story.
;-)

[Stuckinthebush]

5. Damn!

In Pensacola, no less!

Excellent!

[trof]

10. Ah'm fearless.

hee
;-)

[The Shadow]

6. Side Note on The Civilian Guard.

The civilian you speak of was likely a DOD policeman and not a contractor. I work on a naval base (23 years, and counting) and DOD police are our primary security force complimented with naval personnel. The marines were either minimized or eliminated from almost every naval base since 1983 or 1984 and replaced by DOD personnel. It does sound as though the DOD cop might not be a Kerry fan though, too bad.

[trof]

9. Thanks for the explanation.

And welcome to DU.
:hi:

[trof]

15. A "just a feel good story" kick for the evening crowd.

Take courage!

[lpbk2713]

16. I think the word has gotten around among the troops that......

Shit-for-Brains has yet to meet the first KIA casket as it arrived in the States and yet he will attend three or four fund raisers in one day. This wouldn't set too well with me if I were expected to follow his lead.