The reason you haven’t heard from me is I took nine days off and went to Phoenix. That is where we had our RAJA (pronounced Rahjah) meeting. It stands for Retired Army Judge Advocates. Just a bunch of old JAGs getting together to tell wild stories. The same stories get better each year!
In about 1976, all the senior JAGs who served in the Korean War were invited by their South Korean counterparts back to Korea to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the war. They had such a great time that they decided to form a group and do it every year. I think we are celebrating our 32nd reunion in Phoenix (It’s really Scottsdale, if you want to be precise).
We probably have about 250 members and some are more spry than others. Thus, the grand plan is to hold the reunion on the East Coast, then the Midwest, then the West Coast and back to the East again. By so doing, those members who don’t travel so well will have something close every three years. Phoenix was West. Next year it will be Atlanta (East), then New Orleans (Midwest), then Indianapolis (West?). Let’s be frank, it is more important to find a willing JAG who will host, than to be in the right part of the country. Bless those who volunteer to host. We used to present the hosts with a Jefferson Cup, but a year or so back, it was decided that we are at the age where we don’t need additional “clutter.” So, now the hosts are rewarded with applause and with us leaving their town.
This year RAJA took a day trip to Sedona – painted rocks and Indian spirits. Everyone should visit Sedona. I had been there twice before and the trip conflicted with the golf outing. So, I passed. It is a nice place to visit, but I couldn’t afford to live there. At least, not in the manner to which I have become accustomed. Then there’s that stuff about mystical vortexes. Sounds spooky and dangerous. Give me a good old fashion DC mugging. “Here’s my wallet, please don’t hurt me.”
My mom and sister live in Phoenix, so we spent some time with them. Mom will be 92 in July and she is beginning to slow down a little. I told her I was on to her games and to knock it off. She’s a sweetheart, but you just have to be firm with her.
Talk about three birds with one stone, my daughter lives in Prescott Valley. So, we also spent some time with Becky and the two grandsons, Grant and Brandon. The boys are 20 and 18, bright and fun to be around. But, Brandon, the youngest, is part of a musical group called Hung Jury. I googled Hung Jury and there must be ten groups with that name. I guess there are only so many names out there. I listened to them on My Space and they will be better off it the jury doesn’t come in with a verdict! I suspect kids their age like what they are playing. But, it was rough on my sensitive ears. I would have graded their song right below white noise. I hope he proves me wrong.
Anyway, I’m back.
