Hear The Gray Lions Roar

Paul D. Roche, U.S. Navy (retired)

Military retirees are eager to pitch in once again. If computers could express emotion, many would be melting from the heat of anger electronically traveling across our land. The roars of rage are particularly loud when emitted by the huge pride of Gray Lions, known more formally as our retired military community. Their chronological ages range from 40s to 80s, but in their hearts each one is a hunter in his prime...and ready to stalk the enemy once more.

Almost without saying, each retired Navy, Army, Air Force and Marine, with the Coast Guard enlisted and officer’s men and women would respond to a call to arms without a moment’s hesitation. They might report for duty in wheelchairs, walkers and walking canes, fighting the failings of sight or hearing. But they would report - no questions asked.

Wally a retired old Master Chief in Seal Team One who spends most of his time traveling the country, says, “I’d report tomorrow anywhere anyplace they want me to go if they could use me in any way they wanted me.”

During the attacks, my own anger was white hot and frustrating. Now with the dust settling, I can see clearly the awesome task in front of us, if President Bush can really engage terrorism on a world-wide basis.
John is one of the younger retirees, having left the Air Force only three years ago. While on active duty, he wrote the computer programs for deploying personnel in the Fighter Squadrons. He says, “I feel I have much to offer, but I don’t know how to offer it. My computer knowledge and experience has increased exponentially. If I could find a way to get another shot....I could help by developing even better systems.”

“There is a way we can help our country and that is by passing on our decades of knowledge by teaching others,” says Richard Webb, who is retired Marine Gray Lion. “I would gladly return to active duty, but know that it is not possible because we are not capable of performing young men’s military combat jobs.”

A very interesting idea comes from another retired Air Force serviceman, Tim of Las Vegas, Nevada suggest, “If the government takes on the job of airline gatekeepers, military retirees would do a great security job on the gates. Also I see no reason why we couldn’t be teamed together and serve as sky marshals. I know there wouldn’t be anyone getting to the cockpit with me and another ex-combat service retiree in front of the door with a firearm.“

In St. George if our leader General Hansen would say “lets go fellas,” he would have a long line behind him following for whatever duty assigned to them.....just like they did before...