Representing our nation's best

Cpl Michael Strickler — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 19:17:13 -0400

So I am watching the MLB Reds vs. Rockies game right now (for work, believe me I would never subject myself to such torture of my own free will) and they just started the bottom of the seventh inning.

During the stretch there was an Air Force servicemember who was playing God Bless America on the trumpet. He messed up a couple times, I believe once more right at the end, but covered it up very well.

I just want to say to him (if he sees this) and for anyone else that has ever done something similar (national anthem, colors, etc.) I applaud you regardless if you were perfect or not. It takes some coconuts to get up in front of people and do those types of things.

Though the performances may not be perfect it is the thought that counts behind it. Even for celebrities that mess up while doing the national anthem at the Super Bowl and all that... *clap clap clap*

Just having the nerve to get up in front of millions (not to mention cameras and the trolls on the internet today) risking their reputations and all to show pride in this great nation of ours.

*to my brothers in the Silent Drill Team who mess up, this does not apply to you, you should be ashamed of yourself, go sit in the corner haha

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 17 at 2014 7:51 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 19:51:00 -0400

Couldn't agree more. Now as for Christina Aguilera, an overpaid professional singer screwing up the National Anthem, no pity here.

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Aug 17 at 2014 8:16 PM

SSG V. Michelle Woods — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 20:16:43 -0400

"*to my brothers in the Silent Drill Team who mess up, this does not apply to you, you should be ashamed of yourself, go sit in the corner haha" this made me bust out laughing! Lol too funny!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 17 at 2014 8:46 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 20:46:58 -0400

Agreed. Doing something like that can frazzle the nerves and allow for mistakes. Case in point.........................

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Aug 18 at 2014 3:43 AM

Capt Jeff S. — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 03:43:25 -0400

I did the colorguard for the Liberty Bowl back in '84? when I was a Sgt and I carried the Marine Corps colors. A hard charging GySgt (AMOI at Memphis State University) was carrying the National Flag, and we had two riflemen from the Reserve Unit in Memphis. The GySgt invited me because he saw me around campus taking college classes and I was a hard charging Marine.

Well, we marched out without incident and during present arms, one of the rifleman forgot to go from Right Shoulder Arms to Present Arms and the music started. The GySgt was MAD!!! He told the Cpl, "Cpl XXX, the command was Present Arms, correct yourself." And when the Cpl heard the order, instead of executing a brisk movement and making it look good, he just slimed the rifle into place. Now the GySgt was PISSED! As we marched out he marched us under the goal posts and the top of the flags hit the goal posts and bent back as we pressed forward underneath... in front of the entire nation? ??? THANK GOD THE CAMERAS WEREN'T TRAINED ON US LEAVING!!! So no, thankfully the nation didn't get to see that mistake. By far, THAT! was the most embarrassing colorguard EVER that I was a part of in my career! And I did a quite a few. Most went off without a hitch or if there was a mistake it was so minor that we were the only ones who could tell. This colorguard had two major mistakes that were hugely embarrassing! [I was just glad that I didn't mess up forgetting to dip the Marine Corps Colors for the National Anthem, or miss the holster when coming to the carry and have to fumble around trying to set the pole in place... but as part of that team I still felt embarrassed at the overall performance. Never saw the GySgt so mad. He was all shades of red and steaming! You could fry an egg on his head!]

When we finished people came up to us and kept telling us how good we looked! Nobody was paying any attention! Nobody saw the mistake with the rifle. It wasn't caught on TV. I couldn't believe it. Whew! LUCKY!