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Published: September 12th 2023
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Hey there everyone, Scout here! Figured we should do an update on the Epic Cross Country TAPS briefing adventure. It is a really very simple reason that we slowed down for a few weeks.
FRENCHY DROVE THE TIRES OFF THE RV! …LITERALLY! So, we took a chill pill and hung around North Dakota. I understand that she must do “house things”; you know, mowing, pulling weeds, paying bills and the mundane responsibilities of owning a house. She spent an entire afternoon doing those mandatory events and then we were off on a “staycation”!
Summertime in North Dakota is so much better than the winter. Since I have short legs, there is a noticeable difference in potty breaks with 4 feet of snow versus the lush green grass of the summer. For me, being home means I get to ride in the back seat, and she rolls down the window and the fresh air blows on my face. I love to sniff it all in and inside I smile because this is about the best place to be during the summer! My yard has small bunnies, deer that graze in the mornings, horses hanging out next door that I love
to visit and even a couple prairie dogs that I can never catch. I love just exploring our 4-acres looking for new friends! We took a walk with friends and even saw an eagle in a tree at a local park.
Pontooning with her friends is a constant in the summer. We snuck away to a mountain lake, snacks were packed, coolers stuffed and a single fishing pole. The purpose of the trip is to just float around and laugh and chat and laugh and ….”FISH ON”! I have never seen anything like it. Like a well-practiced Broadway show. The tip of the pole jerks down, somebody yells and then they all assume their positions. The boat driver throws the engine into neutral and grabs the net. Another snatches the fishing pole and starts to reel fast. The assistant fisher person helps guide the fishing line that follows the movement of the struggling fish along the entire back of the boat. As the intensity increases, ALL the pontoon guests rush to the back of the pontoon, and I think the front of the vessel actually popped up out of the water while all the weight shifted to the rear
in no time at all. This was the most exciting moment ever! Who knew that catching a trout could be so neat!
My fun didn’t stop there. We went to more lakes and kayaked and rode on jetski’s and I loved it all because…friends and family joined in and made everyday absolutely cool. An unusual trip up to Ft Stevenson found us hanging out with a reenactment team who focused on the life in the encampments and the military service of the 18oo’s. The military encampment featured authentic tents and gear, living history demonstrations of tomahawk throwing, trader tents, and black powder gun demonstrations, skills and crafts of the Indian Wars period were on display too. One of the guys was a friend who served in the military with Frenchy, and those army people are an unusual bunch. Whenever they run into each other, it’s big hugs and they are always happy to see each other. Catching up includes little “check-ins” on how they are doing. Buddy checks are a great comfort apparently; and I thought I was the only emotional support for my buddy.
The more I hang around Frenchy I have come to appreciate her energy
and relentless passion for people. She always says things like, “everyone deserves special treatment” and to make the moments matter, even if they are tiny little glimpses into someone else’s life. I know that she is a gabby girl which is perfect for me. I love jumping up on laps and people love petting me. Sometimes I feel like there are emotions that people silently share with me.
Sometimes it’s about the thoughts of loved ones who are with us in memory only. Sometimes it’s the excitement of new adventures in everyday life. Sometimes it’s thinking about what the future holds. All these friends paths crossed 22 years ago and mostly the relationships have endeared the commitment of American tenacity. I hear Frenchy talk about friends and family fondly as they all have kept the flame of freedom on the peripheral of how they live their lives. Military Veterans from the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and all conflicts since. Their friendships endured like badges of honor. The forefront seems to be the thousands of men and women who served in the military, but I am always proud when she remembers the countless non-military people who have also helped
with the freedom of the American way of life.
When Frenchy looks back on September 11, 2001 she references the day as a turning point in her life. It was the initiation of the continuous motivation and pride that runs deep in one’s soul. She somehow knew. She knew that everyone has a part to play. She knew that life would always be about the care of others who experienced so much more. She chats with me about the incessant memories of the complete and surprise sacrifices that civilians made on that day. To explain the absolute drive to be able to serve when the nation calls and the emotions that went with the aftermath of this day. Twenty-Two Years later I can only imagine how sad and patriotic those days were.
Her friends stood up and were patriotic beyond belief. But mostly, they are still standing right next to her. It’s a personal challenge to serve in support of the Global War on Terrorism, but to watch the children of your friends return from deployments was even more challenging. Now there are generations that will carry the unseen wounds of war as hidden scars that just blend
into the daily life of a warrior.
The joy, love and light of friends that have stayed by the sides of each other. To even have the luck to have lifelong friends is a treasure that she doesn’t take lightly. Today, we are all part of the human heart that still beats deep with the pride of being an American. The days that define us continue to be shared with friends and family. No matter when or how you served, or your connection to 9/11, Frenchy and I will never forget the day that has impacted us all!
Best part of the staycation and hanging with those friends and family that mean so much? They all love me too!
Scout Out!
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