A friend I never knew. Losing a grognard.

republic · October 06, 2012, 08:53:34 PM

I stumbled upon an estate sale in a nearby town listed in the local paper. Among the items it listed "military books". I didn't get too excited because generally when I see those sorts of listings it usually just means a Tom Clancy book or two. I kept reading though the items though, and was surprised to see later on down it also listed scale models, PC hardware, joysticks, etc. Thinking my curiosity was getting the better of me, the wife and I took a trip to go see. I wasn't hoping for much, mainly just a day out and about and maybe a nice lunch.

When we got to the estate sale it was already picked over pretty heavily, but what remained showed the remnants of a grognard much like myself. It seems he had a penchant for eastern front tank warfare and the European air war. I looked through the remains of this man's life and it was eerie. I couldn't help but think that a sale of my own collection would look very similar. I saw all the major flight sims from the late 90's early 2000's, and three ring binders the man had created to provide quick access to the commands and reference pictures. Table after table sprinkled with the detritus of a grognard.

Volume after volume about specific subjects he was interested in, especially the P-47 Thunderbolt and tactics used. My own gaming handle is Republic from Republic Aviation, because the P-47 has been my favorite plane since I was a kid. Most recently I've been reading all I can find on Republic F-105 sorties in Southeast Asia.

Anyhow, I picked up a stack of books and as I was paying out, all the while I couldn't help but feel like I had lost a friend I never had a chance to meet.

Upon returning home I found his obit online and discovered he had served in the Air Force in Vietnam and served for three tours as a FAC and later a Site Commander. He retired a major earning the Distinguished Flying Cross with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Air Medal with 12 Oak Leaf Clusters.

I had to post this story because I figured a couple of you maybe could relate. I've had a job change and my free time is measured in minutes some days. I haven't been on here in several months, and I was mostly a lurker here and at Wargamer for years.

My experience today has taught me that I need not be so busy, and I should get 'out and about' more both online and in my area. Because, while everyone may love football or what have you...a grognard is hard to find and losing one so close to home that I never knew is profoundly sad.

LongBlade · October 06, 2012, 08:59:28 PM

Wargamers aren't generally extremely outgoing to begin with. On top of it, our hobby is rather esoteric. We sometimes have difficulty connecting with each other. Electronic grogs have an easier time than those who lean toward tabletop games. I know for a fact that there are a bunch of Flames of War minis guys around town that we simply can't find. We're trying but geography, real life, and our tendency to stick to what we know has gotten in the way.

Yes, I know how you feel. Sorry to hear of his passing.

Bison · October 06, 2012, 09:39:29 PM

Pretty powerful story Republic.

TheCommandTent · October 06, 2012, 09:44:16 PM

Quote from: Bison on October 06, 2012, 09:39:29 PM
Pretty powerful story Republic.

+1

Staggerwing · October 06, 2012, 09:47:00 PM

Quote from: republic on October 06, 2012, 08:53:34 PM

My experience today has taught me that I need not be so busy, and I should get 'out and about' more both online and in my area. Because, while everyone may love football or what have you...a grognard is hard to find and losing one so close to home that I never knew is profoundly sad.

Point taken. :(

Con · October 06, 2012, 10:49:47 PM

Local clubs are the best way to both support our hobby and to connect with other wargamer/grogs.

Con
PS I haven't been to a game in a year at my local club despite only living 5 minutes away. But having twins 10 month old boys puts a crimp in all hobbies. However wait until they are 7 years old my gaming buddies have promised to show them how to roll many different shaped dice ;D

Toonces · October 06, 2012, 11:53:11 PM

Great post, Republic.

MikeGER · October 07, 2012, 02:03:01 AM

Quote from: Bison on October 06, 2012, 09:39:29 PM
Pretty powerful story Republic.

Yes Indeed !

Barthheart · October 07, 2012, 05:59:59 AM

Great post Republic... and welcome back.

Jarhead0331 · October 07, 2012, 07:21:18 AM

Thanks for sharing! I'm sure he would be happy to know that some of his stuff has found a very proper home.

republic · October 07, 2012, 07:49:33 AM

Quote from: Barthheart on October 07, 2012, 05:59:59 AM
Great post Republic... and welcome back.

Thanks Bartheart, good to be back!

[/quote]

Quote from: Jarhead0331 on October 07, 2012, 07:21:18 AM
Thanks for sharing! I'm sure he would be happy to know that some of his stuff has found a very proper home.

You know I hadn't thought of that. Your right, I hope my stockpile eventually gets passed down to someone who can add to it.

besilarius · October 07, 2012, 08:24:05 AM

Worked in a game store in Alexandria, Va., just a long jump from the Pentagon, back in the 80s.
Every career member of the armed forces has an interest in wargaming, and given half a chance would give it a go.
I've often wondered if there might be a way to reach out to them, as a group, and see if many would like to be assimilated.
Once Grogheads is publicly traded, and LB has some pocket change, might be a goal to try and suck in active duty, and retired, military.

bob48 · October 07, 2012, 10:44:01 AM

A very thought provoking post republic. Thank you.

Kushan · October 07, 2012, 10:38:04 PM

Powerful story republic. Thank you.

W8taminute · October 08, 2012, 08:14:48 AM

Thanks for sharing Republic. Sad to hear of this loss to our community but good to see you helped keep this mans memory alive by caring for part of his precious collection.

On a side note: I've always liked the Jug as well. She could take and give a terrifying beating. She may not have had the range of a Mustang but the Jug packed a powerful punch.