Memorial Day: Remembering Teddy

This post is in honor of Memorial Day. This is a list of a few good men from my days in the Navy (1985-1988) stationed aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71). We were part of the ships first crew when it was commissioned in October of 1986. This is what I remember about those men:

TR underway

Plankowner…arriving

Msg to James Wormick and his brother from Chicago, IL: James, I can’t remember your brother’s name, but I do remember that you all treated me like I was your brother. I remember your brother’s wife too, but not her name. I hope all is well with the both of you. The moment I remember the most is the time we both danced to Eric B and Rakim’s song, Eric B is President. You remember the lyrics:

“…I'm scheming like I'm dreaming on a couch wit my feet up

You scream I'm

lazy, you must be crazy

Thought I was a donut, you tried to glaze me”

I miss you man! Peace~

Msg to Reginald Davis of Reading, PA: Reg, you are the only brother I am in touch with from the Roosevelt. You were as wild as they come back then, but you’ve come a long way. You're a family man now, but you gave new meaning to the word, “AWOL” back then. Plus, remember the time you almost got me arrested in Newport News? Reg, you was a something else man! Over the years, your family became my family and I love all of you. God bless you and your family. Peace~

Msg to David Glover of Gary, IN: You were our age, but you were a big brother to Reggie and me. You was a big happy dude with a big ol’ smile. Hey, remember the time we all rented an apartment in Little Creek, Virginia? Yeah, we had some good times...didn't we. I hope you’re well. Peace~

Msg to Glen Bosarge of Biloxi, MS
You were one of the coolest little guys I’ve ever met. *smile* The chief called you “the little ugly man,” but you were not at all. You had a beautiful and wonderful spirit despite all the guys picking on you. You were my friend. You told me that Mississippi was a beautiful place despite it’s ugly past. Peace~

Msg to Kevin Crampton of Alabama: Crampton, you would crack up laughing every time I started rapping/singing “La Di Da Di" by Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh. I don’t know if you remember, but you once told me that I would be a great man one day. You told me that I would probably be a senator or some other important person. Well, I have no political plans or aspirations, but time will tell. Thanks for the love and peace~

Msg to Brian Tillman of Detroit, MI: You and your other boys from Detroit didn’t like me very much. You all said I thought I was too cool. I liked you though. You were funny and the fellas used to call you "baby talk" because of your lisp. By the way, I am still the coolest. *smile*

Msg to Marlon Sherrod of Birmingham, AL:
You were the coolest brother I’ve ever seen outside of television! You were the sharpest dresser and a complete ladies man. You also introduced me to the music of Anita Baker and Jazz saxophonist, George Howard. Are you still sharp? Thanks and Peace~  

Msg to Saxon from the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn, NY:

I don’t remember your first name, but we would hang out every now and then. You told me that I was the first black guy you've ever hung out with. Remember the time our ship pulled in to Nassau and we went over the hill when they told us not to? We had a good time that day until this guy on the Island tried to sell you oregano for marijuana. He didn’t know that your mother is Italian. I hope all is well. Peace~

Msg to Louis Urso of Brooklyn, NY:

Louis, remember the time we went to the Maze (Featuring Frankie Beverly) show at the Norfolk Scope back in 1986? The show also featured the groups, Ready for the World and The Whispers. I got up to dance when Maze came to the stage. I looked back and you were just standing there smiling with your arms folded saying, “I love these f*cking guys! I can't wait to tell my brother!” You were one cool Italian dude. *smile*

Also:

• Patrick Hall of Louisiana/Oakland, California.
• James Wormick of Chicago, IL
• Darryl Wigfall of New York/South Carolina
• Randolph Lee of South Carolina/Miami, Florida
• Hershel West of Kansas

Honorable Mentions~

Msg to Carlos Correa and Selwyn from the Bronx, USA:

You were my Puerto Rican and Jamaican boys from the Bronx. We were all in Boot Camp together down in Orlando, Fl. in 1985. We were the Division ll/Blue Knights. Carlos, you always told me that you would take me home to meet your parents. You said that your mom cooked the best rice and beans in the Bronx. I’ve always felt you were a better friend to me than I was to you. Selwyn, you were just one funny brother. You kept us laughing and you were a good friend. Oh yeah, you had pointy ears. I love you guys. Peace~
There were many other guys I didn’t mention and others whose names I can't remember. Hey, it was over 20 years ago! Nevertheless, I hope that they are all well and that they are leading productive and rewarding lives. God bless them all. Have a great Memorial Day weekend and God bless the young men and women who are still in Iraq. Also, God bless the people of Iraq. Peace in the Middle East~

Update from Glen Bosarge via email (6/07/2007):

Hi Stephen,

 I found you on the Internet, and was extremely impressed with your writing talent. I have not forgotten my friends , but I was surprised you wrote about me. I remember you as a very easy going guy with a great personality, from what I read you have only matured with age... 

Plankowner…departing