My flight to Dallas was pretty rough. There were massive thunderstorms all around Texas on Friday, and while the pilot did his best to dance around them, it was still a very bumpy ride.
Luckily for me, I have noise-canceling headphones and my iBook, so I did my best to ignore it — and the lady next to me who was white-knuckling the armrest.
When the plane finally touched down at DFW, we were only thirty minutes late, which was pretty surprising, all things considered. I walked through the airport to the baggage claim area, and realized that the last time I collected bags in this airport, I was 18, and I was in town for a charity hockey game. I was tending goal against several members of the 1980 US men’s hockey team in a game that was unwisely scheduled against a Cowboys / (some major rival — I’m not a football guy, sorry) game, so we had about 60 people show up for the game.
That was seriously funny: playing hockey in this huge arena, with some of the greatest guys to ever lace them up, in front of about 60 people, who were more interested in watching the football game on the jumbotron than us.
Anyway, isn’t it interesting how our brains can file something away into some sort of tarball that only gets zxvf’ed when we trigger it by some location, or sound, or smell or something? Brains are cool like that. I’m running WheatonIX version .9 in my brain, if you were wondering.
While I walked around the baggage carousel, the memory of that game consumed me: how badly I played (hey, you face Mike Eruzione when you’re eighteen and see how well you do, sparky) and how great it felt to be skating on a real NHL rink with real NHL players. I looked for my bags with about 20% of my perception, so I almost bumped into a young man who is in the Marines.
He couldn’t have been more than twenty, but I bet he was closer to eighteen. He had bright blue eyes, a babyface, and his hair would have been an unruly mop of curls if it wasn’t cut high and tight. His uniform was crisp, and he stood with two other young Marines, who were out of uniform.
I happened to catch his eye when I looked up, so I extended my hand.
“When I was your age,”I thought, “I was in this airport to play hockey, hoping I could hook up with some cheerleader or something. . . and you’re preparing to go to a war I believe is based on hubris, incompetence and lies.”
“Thank you for your service.” I said.
He looked surprised, and seemed to be at a loss for what to do. I wondered if people thank him often, and if not, why not. After a second, he took my hand, shook it with a firm grip and said, “Thank you, sir.”
“No,” I said, “Thank you. Be well.”
He nodded his head, and I continued to walk around the baggage carousel. When my bags came out a few minutes later, he was leaving with his companions.
He was a United States Marine, and I’m certain that he will serve our country proudly and with honor, but in that airport, he was someone’s son, maybe someone’s brother, and he was only five years older than my own stepson, at most. It was a sobering experience.
I made it to my hotel without incident, but shortly after I checked into the hotel (should that be ‘checked in to’ or ‘checked-in to’? Stupid grammar) I saw Chase Masterson in the lobby. She was having some problems with the computer in the hotel’s business center, and I offered to help her out.
“I’m going to go give her some Technical Support,” I told the bellman, hoping that it didn’t sound like a Penthouse Forum-esque euphemism. Luckily it turned out to be a .pdf issue that I knew how to handle (I don’t do Windows. Har.) and I was able to help her out quickly and easily.
I got myself up to my room, choked down ate some room service, and watched Bill Maher on HBO before I finally fell asleep around 1 am local time.
It was about 6 when the crashing started against the wall behind my head. At first, I thought it was just someone giving a little technical support early in the morning, but it was so violent, and so persistent, I figured it was something different. I made a few calls to the front desk, but nobody could give me a straight answer about the source of the noise, or their inability to stop it. It was incredibly frustrating. I just kept thinking, “How am I going to face this day on five hours of restless sleep?”
The answer, of course, was, “Coffee and a high-protein breakfast to get you started. Once you get to the con, adrenaline will take care of the rest.”
I got up and watched the local news, while the WHACK WHACK WHACK! continued on the wall beside me. I showered and checked out of my room at 7, even though I didn’t have to be picked up until 9:45.
I listened to Jon Stewart’s Fresh Air interview on my iPod (which is really fantastic, and for 5 bucks at audible, is well worth the investment) while I ate a breakfast which claimed to be ‘classic eggs benedict’. I wasn’t so sure, but I was too hungry and tired to argue.
I met up with a few people outside the hotel, and drove to the convention hall which was actually in Plano. I mention that it was in Plano because some of the other actors were dangerously close to complaining that the show was not actually in Dallas, but was in a suburb. I didn’t see what the BFD was, but apparently some of their fans went looking for something in Dallas last year, and couldn’t find it because it was in Plano. I asked, but nobody knew if those people who couldn’t find it have figured out how to bang the rocks together since then.
When I got to the convention center, it was still very early, so the room where we would be signing our stuff was empty, except for me, and Herb Jefferson. Herb is a really nice guy, and he does TONS of stuff for the Navy. He asked me if I’d be interested in doing some things with him for some soldiers, and I told him that I am, of course, so we’ll see what comes up in the next few months.
“I’m one of those people who doesn’t support the war, but I am proud of, grateful to, and completely supportive of our men and women who are fighting it,” I said. “Is that okay?”
“I think they’d be happy and honored to meet you,” he said. “They know that you don’t have to support the politics of the war to support the guys who are fighting it.”
It took me about twenty minutes to set my stuff up the way I wanted it. I stacked Just A Geek and Dancing Barefoot off to one side, then I set them up so they’d be flanking me when I sat down, then I put them all together on the other side . . . then I moved them back again. I knew that the only person in the world who cared about this was me, but I had some time to kill so I made sure things were just right. I ended up letting them flank me, because it made me feel sort of cool, like I was standing behind my work, or something like that.
Over the next 45 minutes or so, the room slowly filled up with the actors who would be signing autographs for the day. I didn’t pay attention though, until Michael Dorn and Brent Spiner came in. I wondered if I’d feel awkward or weird or uncomfortable . . . but I just felt happy.
For at least a decade, I’ve felt embarrassed and ashamed when I’ve seen anyone from TNG at a convention. I felt like they were there to promote whatever they were working on at the time, while I was there to hopefully earn enough money to carry my family through for a couple of months. There was also a lot of regret and remorse related to my sullen teenager years when I was on TNG (and I’ve written about that angst extensively before so I won’t go into it here,) but over the last few years, I’ve mostly gotten over that. When I wrote Just A Geek, I really examined my life. I discovered what really matters to me in my life, I recognized what I needed to change so I could enjoy those things, and I recognized the things that I couldn’t change and needed to accept (or just let go) so I could stop living in the past. When Michael and Brent walked in, I wondered how I would feel. Would I be embarrassed? Would I feel ashamed? Would I feel awkward or unsure?
I watched them walk across the room: They both looked happy and healthy. Michael was chatting up an incredibly beautiful girl who is in one of the new Star Wars movies. I searched my feelings, in that “use the Force” sort of way, and was happy to discover that I felt . . . happy. That was it! Just happy to see them, and anxious to show them my books.
I caught Michael’s eye when he walked past, and I waved.
He smiled and gave me a hug.
“How are you, man?” he said.
I told him how happy I was. I told him how I’m writing like crazy, and even though I haven’t done any on-camera work in ages, I’m not bothered by that. I’ve said those things before, but this time I actually meant it, and I actually believed it.
We had a great conversation about the doors that Star Trek opens, and the doors that Star Trek slams shut. As we talked, it dawned on me that we have a lot more in common, post-Trek, than I thought, and that was somehow comforting to me.
We could have talked all morning, but Michael was taken away by some convention folks, and I went back to obsessing about the proper placement of my books, until Brent came over to my table.
He picked up a copy of Just A Geek and said, “This is your book, huh?”
“Yeah,” I said.
“I loved this one,” he said, pointing to Dancing Barefoot, and I suppressed the urge to break into a little dance.
“If I don’t sell all of these today,” I said, pointing to Just A Geek, “I’d love for you to have one, if you have time to read it.”
“I’d like that,” he said.
“You’re in it, you know.” I said.
He smiled and said, “Did you make me look good?”
“Yeah, I tried. It was pretty tough . . . but I’m a good writer, so you come out okay.”
We both laughed.
“Nah, I’m just kidding,” I said. “I’m not that good a writer.”
We laughed again, harder this time.
“Good job, Wil,” he said.
I beamed. “Thank you, Brent.”
We talked for a few more minutes, and then we sat at our respective tables as the doors to the room opened.
For the next few hours, I signed books and pictures and action figures and stuff, for a ton of people. It was really a good scene: everyone was happy to be there (fans and actors, I mean) and there were a LOT of people who told me they only came out to the show so they could meet me. A bunch of people even had copies of Just A Geek and Dancing Barefoot already, that they’d bought online or in local bookstores, and everyone told me how much they’d enjoyed reading my stories. Several former Soapboxers (who are now teh soapboxers) came out to the show, also. There’s a massive WWdN Posse in Texas, and it was awesome to see so many of you representin’, yo.
I was scheduled to read from my books at 3, so around 2:50 I picked myself up, and prepared myself to go onstage. I had to race to catch a plane when I was done, and I knew that people would want to get books signed after I read, so I cut the reading short. I usually read for about 60 minutes, but this time I only read for about 25 minutes. I cut out the Hooters stories that I usually use to bookend the stories, and just read “The Trade” from Just A Geek, and Star Trek: The Experience from Dancing Barefoot.
I think I’ve talked about this before: there are three states that an audience can be in when I perform: With me, indifferent, or against me. I felt like I had the audience with me the entire time I performed. It was like Linucon, where I could just relax, take some risks, and trust that the audience was along for the ride. It was a fantastic reading, and I wish I’d recorded it so I could share it with people who weren’t there. I actually think I’m going to start recording all my performances, and maybe one day I’ll make some sort of “best of” CD or something. That would be cool.
When I finished my reading, I ran as fast as I could back to my little table in the autograph room, and discovered that a line had somehow formed before I could get there. It was like some sort of ripple in the space/time continuum had allowed them to get there before me. Cool.
So I sat down, and I signed as many books and pictures as I could with what little time I had left. I really didn’t like rushing everyone through the line, but I wanted to make sure that everyone who had lined up and waited got what they wanted, and I didn’t want to miss my plane . . . so if I had to rush you through the line, I’m sorry about that. I hope you understand that it was nothing personal.
When I was done signing and all packed up, I did a quick interview for a local TV station, and said goodbye to my friends.
I ended up selling all my Just A Geeks, and left with about ten Dancing Barefoots. Sadly, I didn’t get to give Just A Geek to Michael or Brent, but I think it will make for a good story the next time I see them. 🙂
The drive to the airport was quick and painless, and so was the flight home. I watched Band of Brothers on my iBook while the woman next to me kicked my leg in her sleep, and when I touched down in Burbank, I was happy to be home. Anne picked me up, and we stopped by my friend’s birthday party on our way home. When we finally fell into bed shortly after midnight, I could feel, in my bones, the exhaustion of the last 48 hours. Thankfully, nothing whacked against the side of my house, and I woke up after 10, with just enough time to prepare for my reading at Borders later that day.
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Mainly glad you had a nice time visiting Texas… I’m sorry I missed you in Austin (was in Vega$ on my honeymoon!).
Hope you get to give the books to the gang for Xmas
–Beej
WOW! First post ever…. now if I could just get a link accepted at FARK my life would be complete 🙂 Peace
— Beej
Wil, you put the whole post into the description field of the rss feed. Did you mean to do that? It strikes me as a tad long for an rss description.
Hey Wil! I was the crazy girl in the corset with the Borg bear. I just wanted to say that it really was an honor meeting you, and I’m glad that you had a good time while you were here.
Wil, you mention recording your performances and making a CD out of it… I love the idea! I live in New Jersey, and would love to see/hear you do what you do.
As someone who was in the Plano audience, I can assure you that *I* was With You the whole way through. Your reading was the first time I’d been exposed to your writing and I *loved* it. I loved it so much, in fact, that I added your WWdN RSS feed to my livejournal friends page 🙂
I was absolutely blown away by the power and emotion in your voice while you were reading. Hell, a couple of times during the Star Trek: The Experience story I thought you were holding back tears. And if you weren’t, I know I certainly was.
I was one of the many many many people who came to get your autograph that day. While my husband and I were in line we noticed how kind you were to everyone who walked up. I noticed that you were standing for pictures with people (instead of staying seated behind your table), and that you even directed one lady out of the sunlight so her picture would turn out better. I was so impressed by how you were constantly thinking of everyone else. 🙂
And just because I can… here’s the picture that my husband took of you and I. Simply the best picture from that entire day 😀 Every one of my friends who’s seen it LOVES it 😀
Glad it all went well for you, Wil.
“Thank you for your service?”
Next time, try: “You’ve made the world a more dangerous place, helped to kill tens of thousands of people for no good reason, and helped create a situation that will breed new terrorists for generations. You should be ashamed of yourself.”
Bush couldn’t commit his bloodthirsty acts of violence without his mindless uniformed drones. If he’s wearing a uniform, he’s part of the problem.
Hey Wil,
Just wanted to say kudos for your thoughtful comments in Salon recently. (Why yes, I’m behind in all my reading.) Here’s hoping tomorrow serves us a lame duck.
That’s pretty strong words there, Ray.
It’s our job as citizens to make sure that our military is used effectively and for the right reasons. It’s their job to follow the orders that they are given.
Personally, I don’t agree with the reasons that young man may be sent out to Iraq, and I’m doing my part to give him a new commander in chief on Tuesday, but whether I agree with the wars he may fight or not, he is willing to stand behind a gun so I don’t have to.
And for that reason alone, I thank him (and everyone in our military, past, present and future) for their service.
“Bravo!” Wil. Best wishes on your book. =o)
Wil
You should look into the new Dual Format CD/DVDs that are coming out. I hear that the cost is comparable to CD only, and then you can add video of a reading on the DVD side.
I’m glad you came to Texas, Wil. I had a good time and you were definitely the highlight of the day. There were several people who came to hear your reading that had no idea you wrote books, yet were standing in line after the reading.
That sounds like such a wonderful time. I’ve never been to a con before, but you’re description made me feel like I was right there.
Hey Wil.
It was great to see you in Plano. I only went to the Con to see you with my book in hand. The funny thing is when I got to the table, I was lost and didn’t know what to say. God..I’m so lame. You were 2 miles from my house and I didn’t know what to say when I got there.
Anyhow, GREAT to see you. Hope you come back to Plano next year!
Are you EVER coming to Ga.? SIGH.
Great post..I am sure Brent and Michael will
understand..
Are you EVER coming to Ga.? SIGH.
Great post..I am sure Brent and Michael will
understand..
Will you ever be in NY, around the area of NYC?
Emily
Austin, man, Austin! Tell us of the glory (or not) that was Linucon! Enquiring minds want to know!
Wil,
Please consider coming to Colorado, there are plenty of geekazoids here and I promise I’ll make you a sandwich.
A couple of things. I am still unresolved with the whole supporting the soldiers but not the war thing. Too many people follow orders even when they may personally think they are wrong. I don’t do it, and have given up employment in the past over wrongs done to my coworkers. The stakes are even higher with war. I will still respect the soldier, but I just can’t thank him. bah, I’m Canadian, so I’m an outsider on that issue anyway.
But about the books Wil, for Michael and Brent. I would have given them each a copy right off the bat. I think the two fans that would come up short at the end would a) not know and b) would completely understand. These are past friends of yours who are *actually in the book*. I would have taken care of them as a thank you.
I just thought, Brent must have been filming his Enterprise episodes around then. I have this awesome killer story idea for Wesley to appear (*not* as his ancestor) in Enterprise. Since it will obviously never be produced as a show, I might write up a short story version and post it somewhere. I’m very visual in my thinking though and would natter on forever like tolkien if not restrained. So making it short is a challenge for me.
Try: “check-in at” instead of “checked into.” =^)
First off, i agree with your idea on the war. I’ll die for my ideas, but I’m not going to kill for them. I have this overwhelming urge to write a story abot that young Marine…I think I shall. Secondly, Brent Spiner is so *falls over and dies from his coolness factor to her inner geeky fangirl* Freaking COOL! I will envy you for years because you’ve worked with him. Did you see him on Enterprise? Heehee!
Not that you need an affirmation or anything (but you get one anyway): I think it was really nice of you to thank the soldier at the airport. It can’t be easy to do what he does, to face what he faces, especially at such a young age. (My age.) And I’ve always felt that if you have something nice to say, why keep it to yourself? (Think how happy the world woudl be if everyone said the good things they were thinking!) So good job. 😀
And I agree with bluecat/redblanket (but only the first two times :P) — Mr. Dorn and Mr. Spiner will probably understand.
Ok, I Love that you thanked the soldier for doing his duty for us. Do think it’s possible, though, that he didn’t know how to react because of the way you phrased it? Did your thanks HAVE to be accompanied by a political statement? To me it reads as, “Thanks for going to war to protect america, though I think that you are throwing your life away uselessly.” Our Soldiers, Marines, and Airmen are signing up in the services because they beleive america is worth defending. Aside from whether you feel that the iraq war is part of defending america, he is STILL risking his life for us.
Also, for Ray. Ray, one of the MOST shameful moments in American History is when our men came back from VietNam and were treated as criminals, murderers, pariahs. Do NOT allow this to happen again. PLEASE!!!!!
Cool deal, now I wish I wore my army shirt to the convention, shipping out next February.
From one monkey to another
-David
Love the random Mike Eruzione reference!
Kelly: I didn’t say that outloud. I thought it in my head. All I said was, “Thank you for your service.”
“I thought, “I was in this airport to play hockey, hoping I could hook up with some cheerleader or something. . . and you’re preparing to go to a war I believe is based on hubris, incompetence and lies.”
I’m a Marine, in the infantry, going to Iraq in January…and I’m going to go ahead and tell you he probably was thinking about cheerleaders, too. In fact, that’s probably why he was wearing his uniform…to get chicks, because that’s the only reason to be wearing it flying into Dallas. If he was wearing a shortsleeved tan shirt with green pants, with a single ribbon…then he probably graduated boot camp that very day(graduations are on Friday).
I personally am fighting to spread the whole freedom thing and because I was in vigorously in favor of the war before I enlisted and it only makes sense that I fight now that the aftermath is fucked up.
Anyway, dollars to pesos that guy isn’t going to war anytime soon, he could have a year of schooling left to go through if he’s an aviation mechanic or linguist or something of that sort.
Matt: While I wrote this entry, I wondered if I was reading a little too much into that encounter, and I almost cut it out . . . but I decided to leave it in because it was how I honestly felt at the time. Whether he’s been in the service for a year or a day, I still respect and honor his commitment.
And thank you for your service. Sincerely. If you want Gmail or a pen pal, drop me an e-mail.
Wil- could that entry BE any longer? good thing it was interesting ;).
Ray- i am sorry that you feel the way you do. it really makes me sad. i am a staunch pacifist, but i will NEVER blame or condemn those who fight for us. Sorry to break this to ya, but the armed forces is necessary. it is the greatest tragedy in the world, but it is necessary. i would never condone a war or fighting in general but these men and women are brave and selfless. it is not thier fault that we have idiot war-mongering leaders. i am proud of them and the service they do for us everyday. furthermore, how dare you criticize Wil for honoring this man? since when its it a crime to say “thank you”?
Oops, sorry, I misread that, Wil. Thank you for clearing it up for me.
Coming out of lurk mode to say that I thought this bit of writing was amazing.
Be well,
J Hayworth
Wil, have you ever thought about writing fiction? It’s a lot like acting. I think it could be amazing… and you could totally get out of the Star Trek genre.
And I second the calls for you to come to Australia! Our east coast isn’t that much further away than the US east coast. 😉
“When I was done signing and all packed up, I did a quick interview for a local TV station, said goodbye to my friends, and”…?
This paragraph seems to be missing something at the end.
P.S. I really enjoy the blog. Thanks.
Oops. My bad. Fixed it. 🙂
Wil,
Reading your entry made me think that your life had came full circle. As a kid, I used to cut out your pictures from Bop magazine and hang them on my wall…right along side River Phoenix and Michael J Fox. I went to Stand By Me, bought the soundtrack and played it until it wore out. I watched you on Star Trek The Next Generation. As a little kid, I grew up watching Star Trek reruns with my family and had a crush on Scotty. I was thrilled when there was a new Star Trek show with a cast member that was my age.
Then the times changed, I stopped watching Star Trek and my posters faded. Then one day I found your website, started reading your blog, and bought both of your books.
Here I am writing comments on the web page of a guy who used to hang on a poster on my wall. Now, how cool is that?
Oops, I meant that your life has came full circle.
I love reading about your con experiences. I am a college student still trying to figure out where I fit – I’ve just barely picked out a major (Computer Science, in case anybody cares…and the only girl in my class to boot) – but it gives me some hope to hear about someone who has gone through such tough stuff in life and come out on top. You are doing something you love and giving great things to the world. If only we could all be so lucky. Kudos, Wil!
All i want to say is Thanks for Coming To Dallas and Glad it wasn’t so bad… Maybe nexttime we can all hang out and give a Taste of Some Real Food!!!possibly some Home Cookin’ if you have the time.
Take Care.
— Remember To Vote Folks!!—
It’s like I say, “If you can’t help fix it–Then Don’t B****h!
I think I’ve talked about this before: there are three states that an audience can be in when I perform: With me, indifferent, or against me. I felt like I had the audience with me the entire time I performed.
Were we with you at the reading? Of course we were with you. Yo, with the posse there did you have any doubt? 🙂
I think the DVD/CD idea is a great one. The book is so much more entertaining when you read it. I’ve read them both through a few times and entertaining as it is the stories are *so* much better hearing and watching you read them. Watching is key — you bring them alive. It’s wonderful.
So glad to hear you had a great time in Dallas. Now, having said that, I’ll throw another virtual tantrum for the Austinites who want to hear your account of Linucon. C’mon, Wil, you’ve had a month. 😉
And since everyone else is posting their pics w/ Wil at the con I’ll join the crowd. I’m too tired to figure out how to embed the pic, so it’s on my buzznet site. I was a “Big Dork”. (http://angiek.buzznet.com)
Casey – compu-sci! Rock on! Yay for girls in the CS major! I should have been one. Hey, I could change it again… What’s another 4 years of student loans! 🙂
Rock on.
A-men to the lame duck!
Wil, you sure make some easy reading.
Audio book sounds cool.
Keep it up!
i’m glad you enjoyed coming to dallas too wil. i must admit that i was quite impressed with meeting you. prior to the convention i hadn’t ever visited your website or read any of your books. i’m now planning on reading your books, and anyone who knows me knows i don’t like reading much, lol. i would have bought the books at the convention but unfortunately i didn’t bring enough money with me. it’s been a while since i’ve laughed as much as i did during your reading at the convention and i too got chocked up listening to your story about the star trek experience in vegas.
you may or may not remember me, i was wearing a pink pixies t-shirt and we had a brief conversation about the pixies and frank black.
i’m not quite sure how to post links here, but here’s a pic of me with you from the convention…hope this works anyway. if not, i guess everyone will just point and laugh at me.
http://lizartlizard.buzznet.com/user/index.php?p=1
Ok, I’ll admit it, I have never a watched Star Trek that didn’t include Cap’n Kirk and although I’ve enjoyed reading your blog, I have no conception of who you are from another blogger.
*Clue: I wasn’t allowed to watched TV or movies as a kid – hippy, flower child, what-have-you*
I can’t say that I can relate to the struggles you have had in your life, in regard to fame, however what I do understand from your writing is how amazing you are as an individual. I sure hope you understand this as well. In this world, not one of us is below or above another.
Wil, your kindness and insight are a blessing. Rock on!
Sunshine
“Best of CD”
Put me down for one.
Wil, this post gave me warm fuzzies all over! I’m so happy you had a great time and got to see some of your Trek buddies. (Suddenly I feel like searching for my Transporter playset . . .). After a long day at work and a horrible review of my latest comic, this totally turned my grinched-out frown upside down. (I think your addition of a 🙂 helped, too. Couldn’t help but giggle!)
Rawk on, Mr. Wheaton . . . !
I didn’t read every comment, sorry if this is redundant-but ROCK ON Wil for thanking the solider… I always thank everyone in uniform and especially older folks when I find out they have served. Every man in my family was in the military (Air Force, Navy and Army)and my one of my best friends is a Marine. The sacrifices they make make it possible for me to sit here, in Germany especially, actually, and type on a computer in peace. Even when it is NOT a time of war, they still do an incredibly hard job and they do it well. I also thank military families because I know first hand what it is like to have to move in the middle of a great school year to a place that sucks because your Dad has work to do. My Dad was also gone an entire year while he was stationed in Korea. No one got shot or was at war, but to an 8 year old and my 5 year old brother, this was a big deal. These are teeny sacrifices and people make them every day to keep America safe. Even though I think the current war in Iraq useless and unjust, I completely support the men and women, moms and dads that make our lives easier. May they be safe and come home soon!
Hey Wil,
Thanks for making the trip to come and see us in Plano. You were the whole reason I went to the convention. It was a bit of a trial to get into the room to see you but I’m so glad that I did. You’re such a nice guy and a great writer. I was happy to represent WWdN at the con. Long live the monkeys!
As a military member, I am always honored to receive the thanks of any person for my service.
Whether the thanks was rendered right after I entered the military or whether it was rendered in spades after 9-11 from Americans, Germans, Italians, French, Australians and Brits or whether it was rendered by a former POW of WWII or Vietnam, all military members are always honored to receive your thanks…
By thanking these military members, you are acknowledging their volunteer commitment and respecting those that have worn the uniform before them–Kerry and Bush included. Remember, as of right now, there is no draft and we are all in the military of our own volition.
“Never confuse the war with the warrior…”
John Kerry
Hey Wil,
Greetings from your friends in Shreveport. It was good to meet you in Dallas. Nice report from the con.