Message from the Rakkasan Association President
Jim Hoeh
My Fellow Rakkasans and Lady
Rakkasans,
There is nothing like a Rakkasan. Their emotions are impenetrable yet their shoulders are soft for those that need someone to lean on. Their hands are firm yet know where they need to be. If they have their arms wrapped around you you’re either in the last moments of your life or the safest place you could ever be. They are stubborn but will let you have your way just to see you smile. They are deadly with a rifle and gentle with a child. They play poker with the devil but guard the gates of heaven. They have a thousand yard stare but when you look into their eyes it’s the most comforting thing you’ve ever felt. There is no other like a Rakkasan. Whether you love them or hate them both is a privilege. They could be your worst nightmare or your sweetest dream.
The Airborne Awards held in Atlanta during the period 10 to 12 April was a great success and many Rakkasans were in attendance. The Airborne Man of the Year was General David H. Petraeus. General Petraeus was the guest speaker and what a wonderful briefing he gave as to our progress in Iraq. What I found most interesting was that while he referred to the progress being made he never once used the word: “I”. All references and success was directed to the wonderful troops under his command. Of all the units he did take time to briefly mention the superb job that the Rakkasan brigade was doing. Don’t know how many others in attendance caught this but I sure did.
On a weekly basis (at times more often) I receive a call or
E mail that a Rakkasan or Lady Rakkasan is very ill or in the hospital. I try
to inform all that have E mail or via phone that the person is ill or
hospitalized. I feel that we need to know this for three reasons—that a
Rakkasan is ill—that we need to put them in our prayers—and to send cards of
encouragement. Words of encouragement can go such a long way and lets them know
we really care. As I’ve said so many times before we need to set aside any and
all differences we may have, as this is the time in our lives that we need one
another more than ever. If you know of a member that is ill or in the hospital,
please send the information to myself or to our secretary (Sonny Cool).”GIVING CONNECTS TWO PEOPLE, THE GIVER AND
THE RECEIVER, AND THIS CONNECTION GIVES BIRTH TO A NEW SENSE OF BELONGING.
Reunion time is fast approaching. We welcome all and I would
like for you to remember “THE PERSON WHO
HAS GOOD MEMORIES IS NEVER ALONE” Information pertaining to the hotel and
registration is located in this issue of the Shimbun...I remind those that are
arriving by air to inform our contact person in
(GIVING HIM YOUR DATE OF ARRIVAL-- TIME---FLIGHT NUMBER AND
AIRLINE) CONTACT PERSON IS: GAROLD E. WINZENREAD, 241 BACK CREEK CIR,
Airborne—Air Assault
HAPPINESS KEEPS YOU
SWEET,
TRIALS KEEP YOU STRONG,
SORROWS KEEP YOU HUMAN,
FAILURES KEEP YOU HUMBLE,
SUCCESS KEEPS YOU GLOWING