A GLIMPSE OF THE UNEXPECTED

It was 1986 at 7:30 p.m. returning back to the naval shipyard after enjoying the American Legion Thanksgiving dinner provided for all soldiers and sailors who were on active duty.  Dreaming to be home with loved ones during every holiday is certainly impossible while being stationed aboard an active navy ship.  While returning back to the military base entrance to let the soldiers and sailors walk to their quarters we were caring enough to thank the bus driver.  While stepping off the bus near the naval base and walking away, Scott, Bob and Ted heard one of the three guys walking behind them stating “where’s the big mouths going?” which clearly sounded childish. Although walking away ignoring being addressed as cowards assisted Scott and his friends to distinctively recognize the man’s voice.  It was the man using ugly words who also started a conflict with another soldier at the legion dinner earlier, which proved an attitude of perhaps not being home with his family.

The three were still walking away and ignoring his fighting words when suddenly for some ungodly reason, the guy came up from behind and struck one of the men before he could resist the silent punch.  Bob and Ted turned around and noticed Scott on the ground. Stopping ten yards away from him, they started yelling “get up, get up.”  Considering it was cold during the Winter and a little dark at night time, neither Bob or Ted were aware of Scott being unconscious, but they surely saw the man kicking him in the head while he was just lying there, not resisting a bit.  Within fifteen seconds Scott’s friends ran over and stopped the guy that was kicking him, but he was on the ground still unconscious.  Bob and Ted were close enough to notice blood was coming out of his ear and nose.  Ted put his hand on his neck and yelled at the same time, trying to awaken him but then Bob noticed he was bleeding a lot.  Decisions were made fast.  Ted stayed there beside Scott, and Bob ran to get help on the military naval base. 

After running 200 yards, Bob opened the door and stepped into the security office.  He strongly heard the duty officer’s "may I help you?" 

While catching his breathe, Bob said, "Sir, I need to use your phone to call an ambulance for one of my friends who is on the ground and is not moving."

“No problem–just ask.”  Finishing the 911 emergency call Bob surely had some questions to answer from the duty officer before exiting.  "Is this a military person that fell down or what?  Please explain what happened.”

“Chief, another friend of mind is with the injured military friend right now.  If you walk or drive me back there, I can answer any question you need to know.”  Considering there were three officers inside the security station gave the chief confidence to secure his post and drive him back to see what was going on.