Page 114 - Firehouse Pond

On a lighter note, at one time, I was an officer directly responsible for the

inventory, issuance, and maintenance for equipment and uniforms worn by
the soldiers of the Old Guard. These are the soldiers that, among other
ceremonial duties, stand guard at the Tomb of The Unknown and perform

burial ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery.

It was an honor, but at the same time, it was a constant reminder of the fallen.

Unfortunately, this same assignment included a so-called “Need-To-Know”
responsibility. The activity and my duties were not “classified”; they were
simply on a need-to-know basis. Which meant, I performed these duties with

only a very few select people knowing I was doing it. I can tell you this
much: It involved our nation’s involvement with The United Nation’s
Peacekeeping Forces.

These were especially prestigious assignments; I will value them for my
lifetime.