"JOE" - Not An Ordinary Guy

[IRISHWISTLER]

Aye Mates,
Once again I attended an annual game dinner hosted by the Rhode Island Environmental Police Officer's Association (RIEPOA) yesterday afternoon. Having done the same last year with a great friend of mine named Bill (a retired State Trooper), we were privileged to sit at a table with an older gentleman named Joe. The dinner was a BYOB affair and Joe and his buddy Dave were first year guests and had not brought any beverages with them. Bill and I had brought plenty and gladly shared some Guinness and "Cabin Fever" (a maple flavored whiskey). Fast friendship took hold and we were soon amazed to find out that Joe was 96 years old. Joe shared stories of his many years hunting for deer and proudly stated he had taken 29 bucks with the long bow in his lifetime. The dinner is held at a military facility overlooking Narragansett Bay and later in the day we were able to get Joe to share some of his memories of time spent with the United States Army during WWII in the Pacific Theatre. We were beyond moved by the few stories we were able to draw from him. At the conclusion of last years dinner we thanked him for his dedicated service to our country and told him we would love to see him again at the event next year. Joe replied, "I had a great time with you boys and God willing, I'll be back next year".

A few weeks ago I contacted a great friend of mine (Tony) that is a retired member of (RIEPOA) and told him how much Bill and I had cherished our time spent with Joe at last year's banquet and that we hoped we could sit with him again this year. Tony said let me make some calls and I'll get back to you in a little while. Tony called me back and assured me Joe was coming and would sit at a spot we reserved for himself and his buddy Dave at a table reserved for members of the Connecticut Conservation Officer's Association (CCOA). I told Tony how much Joe had enjoyed a nip or two of "Cabin Fever" with us the previous year and relayed some information regarding Joe's military service. The RIEPOA took the opportunity to recognize Joe at yesterday's event as the oldest Veteran present at the banquet while reading off a bit of the incredible sacrifices made by Joe and the soldiers he served with (most of them now long gone). The banquet hall erupted in applause as Joe was honored with a standing ovation. Many amongst us were moved to tears as was I, and so was Joe. As I watched him so moved and so humble, I wondered what he was likely reliving at that very moment in his still razor sharp mind. I am sure that there were many experiences remembered that would rightly haunt ordinary men. Ironically as Joe was being honored yesterday he kept repeating, "I am just an ordinary guy". The most humble statement of an great American patriot whom is anything but "ordinary". Joe is a living history, the greatness of the American spirit personified, a national treasure too often unrecognized and not supported, and a NOT so ordinary guy that everyone present yesterday proudly claims as their friend.

Joe was presented a bottle of "Cabin Fever" by RIEPOA yesterday as a token of appreciation and admiration for a valiant life lived, and for the example he sets for all that could learn from this not so ordinary American. Bless ye Joe. God willing we'll tip a glass o' Cabin Fever again soon Mate.

With Utmost Respect,
Irishwhistler☘️

[POPTOP]

He is indeed a national treasure. You and your friends are very lucky to know him.

[barry581]

We are losing these veterans at such a high rate now, and sadly it won't be too long before they are all no longer with us. They truly are our greatest generation.