Life and Island Times July 13 2016 – DC

This is one from 2016.

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Marlow was expecting a fractious meeting at the Post on a cold February night. His stomach was churning for two reasons. The first was a long brewing argument over what charities could receive Post donations. The second was that it was Post Officer nomination night and one of the two thieves of over $50,000 was planning to run for the Post Commander position.

To clear his head, he stepped out back to puff on a cigar and steel himself for a two hour long slugfest filled with blatant dishonesty from certain self-serving bastards. It was then that DC, the Post chaplain, appeared. After some informalities, DC got down to brass tacks. He said that expected Marlow to speak at his funeral. Somehow he knew Marlow would.

All through the ensuing meeting, Marlow was bothered that DC would not know what Marlow thought of or felt for him. So he commenced writing down his thoughts to share with DC this mooning. They were only a beginning. Marlow has more to say, and DC has more to live.

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One of the words of wisdom Marlow has come to appreciate in his 60s is “All music leads to jazz. All drinking leads to scotch”

With the loving care of his W, Marlow has come to know the truth of the first part during the past four years. The second part did not ring true for decades until he met and came to know DC. Now Marlow would never compare DC to a fine single malt from Scotland’s Speyside. No, DC was more like Jägermeister.

Imagine melting a black crayon with some rubber and adding sugar. Finally, mix in some mouthwash flavored like dark purple cough syrup. This is about what Jägermeister tastes like – very unpleasant. DC was much the same at first blush.

DC, like Scotch and Jägermeister was an acquired taste. He could be judgmental, chauvinistic and on, and on, and on. But DC had a heart of gold that he kept hidden from his acquaintances until he trusted that person. He is one of the few Legionnaires at American Legion Post 28 who was 100% Legion. Not that he endlessly claimed that publicly like others with ulterior motives. He was the real deal. Marlow saw him endlessly volunteer of his time even during his last years when he suffered from cancer.

In fact, DC recently redoubled his efforts in support of the four pillars of the American Legion – Veterans, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth. Each of these pillars encompasses a variety of programs that benefit America’s veterans, its service members, their families, our country’s youth and ordinary citizens. DC was always behind the scenes, preferring to stay out of the limelight. He was the truest essence of volunteerism, hiding beneath a gruff exterior a firm commitment and selfless love in support of Legion programs.

Marlow learned so much from DC and his life story with its trials and tribulations. DC was born into an ethnic Irish family and Philadelphia Roman Catholic neighborhood. Philly may be the City of Brotherly Love, but DC saw little of that while he was growing up. He fell in and out of trouble like many inner city Irish boys. Marlow knew, since he was one such delinquent back in the 60s.

DC was more a direct action type of guy when it came to getting into trouble. Marlow on the other hand like to organize the trouble but leave no finger prints, when the troublemakers were discovered. This proved to be a harbinger of their future military careers.

DC was a scrawny kid, who was brought up by a father and mother, who practiced tough love. Befitting his birthplace, it was mostly tough with little to no love. As soon as DC was able, he left his family and hometown to join the US Navy, becoming one of the first SEALs back in the early 60s.

After several overseas tours, DC with his combat zone tattoos went back home after his service hitch ended. His father remarked that DC had changed into “one tough SOB.” His father finally respected, if not feared, DC.

For a variety of reasons, DC moved from Philly to Key West nearly fifty years ago. Marlow used to joke with him that he likely was fleeing from outstanding warrants. DC’s eyes would only twinkle in response when Marlow said that.

It was one of DC’s unique charms. Forever a rapscallion.

Man, will Marlow ever miss him. So will Post 28 and this city on a remote coral isle.

DC in 2016
Copyright © 2016 From My Isle Seat