The Bull Speaks!

Last night I was so exausted I simply wanted to go to bed and sleep for a solid eight hours. Did I get it? No. So I wish I had stayed up and did my blogging then. At least I would have been on time with saying “Happy Birthday Dad”. My dad, Roy Clarence Jones, (b. 23 June 1923 d. 5 May 1997, WWII Veteran, USN: USS Wasp (CV-7) & USS Lansdowne (DD-486)), passed away a number of years ago but is on my mind every day. Even more so yesterday. I miss you, Dad.

Tuesday evening we had a call from Dusty, (MA1 Tony Lafrenier’s new wife), telling us that he would be flying into Mobile, AL on a flight from Dallas, TX at 7PM. Having finished his tour in the Middle East, he arrived safely home last night to the sights and sounds of his four children jumping up & down and calling his name. His twin sons were dressed in ‘Cracker Jack blues’. Tony was one happy sailor! (Brought tears to ol’ Bull’s eyes…)

This wee post would not be complete without a mention of another American Hero that arrived home last night: OM3 Franklin the Turtle, USN. Franklin is shown here being held by his “Mommy” Hanah, Tony’s youngest daughter. In honor of Franklin’s service the girls were presented with “Franklin” jewelry. Too cute!

Just as we were about to leave the airport, Tony stopped, dug into his pack, and presented The Bull with a challenge coin for supporting the troops on their mission.

Ever seen a Bull cry?

The folks at the Mobile, AL airport damned near did last night! It’s a crazy world we live in these days. For some reason you just wouldn’t expect this sort of exchange between a woman’s husband and her ex-husband. Heck, perhaps you do and I’m just behind the times. At any rate, Tony is a loving father to his kids, a police officer, and am honorable US serviceman. He deserves the support of all of us.

History Lesson:

The tradition of a “Challenge Coin”?? originated during World War I. American volunteers had formed flying squadrons. Each member of one of these squadrons had a solid bronze medallion produced by the squadron’s wealthy lieutenant. One member of this squadron escaped from German captivity and was recaptured by the French. The French were about to execute the American not knowing he was a friend. But the squadron medallion worn by the American was recognized by one of the French. The American flyer’s life was spared.
During and after World War I, a tradition began to ensure that members carried their medallion or coin at all times. This goal was pursued by having a member challenge another member to show the medallion. If the challenged could not show the medallion, the challenged had to buy a drink of choice for the challenger. If the challenged could show a medallion, the challenger had to buy the drink. For many years after World War I, surviving members kept this tradition alive.

Challenge coins may not be attached to belt buckles or key rings and still be considered challenge coins, and they may not be defaced in any way (such as drilling a hole to attach to a lanyard). A generally safe place to carry a coin is in a pouch worn around the neck (like the pilot in the legend). Carrying a challenge coin in the wallet is problematic because the distinctive circular bulge identifies the individual as a military member, a serious security consideration in many places, and because it can loosely resemble a condom (and therefore open the individual up to jokes from friends).
Here endeth the lesson.

One other note: Tony brought the complete story of Franklin and his journeys to us on CD. I hope to soon be publishing that story, and perhaps the video, here.

Bull, out.

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