Meeting a great American

   Returning from the 1st National SSMC ride, Doc and I stow the bikes in the parking garage up on the 4th floor and start heading for the hotel. Walking towards the catwalk over to the hotel I notice a very seasoned WWII Subvet with two Chiefs from the Coast Gaurd. The look on the vet's face was unmistakeable to me. I could tell he was confused, upset, and angry with himself all at the same time. If you have ever been around an aging family member you know what I am describing. I suggest to Doc that we check this out and sure enough the gentleman could not find his car. It was  apparent that the "Coasties" were not going to see this one through, so Doc and I said, "We got this!" The subvet we met was Edward W. Stone, and he was a radioman aboard the USS Bumper (SS-333) during WWII. He had made 3 war patrols, but was very modest about his service. Doc got him to give us his keys and hitting the panic button we got no answer from his car. After some additional questions we had determined that his car was in the other parking structure on the opposite side of the hotel. Walking Mr. Stone over there Doc takes off with the keys to the 1st floor and finds Ed's car. I escort Mr. Stone down the ramp and as we approach his car I notice a special New York license plate. It simply stated "Pearl Harbor Survivor". Doc and I were in the presence of a great American though you would never know it. Ed was so thankful that we helped him find his car, and we were so thankful that God had put us in that place at that time to help this humble man. We take photos (Doc has already posted one) and Ed gives us his business card. Ed must be somewhat of a prankster as the back of his card states;      
                                                      My Card, Sir.
                                 I am somewhat of a Bullshitter myself
                    But occasionally I prefer  listening to a Superb Professional.
                           
                                                  Please carry on.

We say our goodbyes and head off to the hotel praying that Ed's Garmin gets him to his destination safely. For he is 89 years young and dearly loves spending time with his fellow submariners.

Pride Runs Deep!

  Back in the hotel the party is still in full swing as the 3rd floor smoking deck is loaded with submariners, beer, booze, and cigars! I hang out for awhile and Doc and I meet a Rear Admiral with whom Doc strikes up a fast friendship. I have a taste of 15 year old Glenfiddich scotch, and because tomorrow is departure day, I take my leave and head up to the room to pack. After a bit Doc comes up to the room to fetch his special bottle of his scotch to take down for the "tasting". He asks if I want to join the fun as the Admiral is apparently a "great guy". I defer, knowing that a hangover and a 350 mile motorcycle ride does not mix in my playbook. Doc, on the other hand, is made up of different stuff! After several hours he knocks on the room door, (forgot his key), stands at nearly a 45 degree angle leaning forward (I'll never know how he didn't fall flat on his face!), and proceeds to tell me what a "great f*&$@&* guy the Admiral was!" This line was repeated several times until Doc turned around, sat of the end of the bed, laid back with his feet still touching the floor, and fell dead asleep! It was like somebody had hit a switch. Not a peep. I thought about taking his shoes off and getting him in the bed and covered up but the thought came to me to just "let sleeping dogs lie". I was thinking that Doc was going to pay for this come tomorrow, but I was wrong as apparently scotch runs through his veins anyways! Tomorrow ........ Departure Day!