WHAT A GREAT SURPRISE!!!
While returning this past Saturday from taking my usual “jaunt” with my buddy, Hobbes, just as we were entering the house, my cell phone rang. Now, usually, when this happens, I immediately, and without relish, exclaim, “ Looks like they found me again!” But this time, rather than one of those “wonderful” nuisance calls, my phone indicated that the call was from a true and distant Friend.
The person who was un-expectantly contacting me was a former colleague with whom I had taught while living on the East Coast in the early 1970’s. His name is James (Jim) Patterson. He and I not only taught in the same school in New Jersey, but had developed one of those everlasting Friendships…one which not only withstands the tests of Time, but also withstands distance and decades of non-communication.
Jim had first contacted me after 43 years of absence from each other’s lives this past New Year’s Eve. Apparently, he had learned of my escape from the clutches of Death this past summer through contact with several of our former/mutual high school students. (Yep, that’s right! Many, MANY of my former East Coast students remain in contact with me to this very day through Facebook and other means of social media…even from as far away as Germany!).
During our New Year’s Eve discussion, Jim inquired as to what I was pursuing in the field of my Artwork…besides, of course, my carving of Carousel animals. I proceeded to answer him…and described, in somewhat detail, the works I had created for our regional Operation Wounded Vetz over the past six years, including a brief description of the “True Story of Dan and Sam” which serves as the inspiration for my work.
Jim was captivated…and, I may say, he was, indeed, deeply moved.
BACKGROUND…
James Patterson was not only a high school teacher. He was, until quite recently, a full Colonel in our great United States Army. He saw active duty in Viet Nam, Afghanistan, Iraq, and several locales which I am not at liberty to reveal. When he retired from active service, he remained active in the Army Reserve until very recently…and, unbelievably, Jim is several years older than myself…pushing well into his late 70’s. A true, TRUE American Hero!
THE PROFOUND EFFECT OF DAN AND SAM…
Throughout his Service Career, Colonel James Patterson witnessed the relationships which were developed between Service Personnel and their canine companions. Jim expressed to me his feelings when these persons and their Service dogs were separated…and he also expressed to me his fond appreciation for the series of works I had created, and the tale they told.
Of course, I was overcome with his statements and praise. Without telling him, a week after we spoke, I printed copies of all six Artworks and mailed them to Jim, along with a copy of the full story behind these works.
A SIDETRACK…BUT, NOT REALLY...
Over the course of the past 35 years, I have noticed a gradually increased number of canines (apparently) abandoned throughout our region. Several of these unfortunate dogs have crossed over the land upon which Carolyn and I live. We have heard their heartrending howls and pleas for help in the middle hours of night and throughout the hours of daylight. Moreover, I have also noticed with increased frequency the number of “lost” dogs having been found and posted on social media in hope of discovering their homes and human companions.
Similarly (although truly illegal and now punishable by Commonwealth law) is the “practice” of isolating a canine outside in forbidding elements…a practice which I have witnessed firsthand in our own neighborhood a few years back.
Much, much too often these poor creatures, fail to find homes…a fate similar to the fate of innumerable canine Service companions.
SO…
In the case of former Service canines, we, as a Nation, are just beginning to initiate somewhat of a “turnaround.” One of the foremost organizations that promote this philosophy is the MISSION K9 RESCUE Organization. The Mission K9 Rescue is a non profit organization dedicated to the service of retiring and retired Military Working Dogs, Contract Working Dogs and PD-K9’s. Their mission is to, “…provide assistance and support for Working Dogs worldwide. Our organization’s purpose for existence is to serve retiring and retired Military Working Dogs, Contract Working Dogs, and other Dogs who Serve as they may fit into our mission and scope.”
To learn more about this incredible organization, visit their website https://missionk9rescue.org/.
A PROPOSAL…
After “shooting the breeze” with Jim this past Saturday, he relayed to me the description of his most recent efforts on behalf of our Nation.
Although retired from Service, Colonel James Patterson has never relinquished what he has attempted to establish throughout his more than 50 years of Armed Service participation. Jim told me that he was/is one of the Founding Members of the NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY. Moreover, he serves on the Executive Board of this forthcoming institution. The Museum is in its final stages of completion. It is located with the district of our Nation’s capitol, Washington, D.C. Its fundamental philosophy is, “The National Museum of the United States Army will celebrate over 240 years of Army history and honor our nation’s Soldiers – past, present, and future – regular Army, Army Reserves, and the Army National Guard. It’s a massive undertaking led by a joint effort between the U. S. Army and the non-profit organization, The Army Historical Foundation (AHF).
As the capstone museum of the Army Museum Enterprise, the National Army Museum will provide the only comprehensive portrayal of Army history and traditions. The Museum also will offer educational experiences to illustrate the Army’s role in building and defending our nation, as well as humanitarian missions, public contributions, and technological and medical breakthroughs.”
WOW! What a great responsibility to a GREAT venue. AND, what a GREAT service to which Jim Patterson has committed himself.
AND THEN…
One of the greatest honors which Life has bestowed upon me was offered by my Friend, Jim.
On behalf of the Museum, James extended to me the invitation to install on permanent display at the Museum the series of the six Artworks I had created, along with the full tale of Dan and Sam.
In retrospect, all the tremendous sacrifices made by Dan during the years of his Service will be FOREVER recognized…as will the Service provided to our Nation and its People by all the innumerable legions of Service Canines. The legacy of these remarkable creatures and their human companions will NEVER be erased from the History of America.
NOW…if we can only establish the same dignity for all the creatures abandoned through willful intent!
Fortunately, the Citizens of our own Region here in North Shenango, Linesville, and Jamestown display a particular Love for these poor creatures, and do their very best to eradicate any harm and damage to them.
BTW…I am now in the process of creating yet another Artwork (my 7th in the series) which will continue the saga.
Truly, as all my physicians have indicated, Time is NOT finished with me yet!