CHANGE OF COMMAND-THE OLD SERGEANT SERIES

The entire company had been ordered to report to the Green Zone in Baghdad for a “Change of Command” ceremony. To the old sergeant this was just another waste of time that would be better used fighting the war. Besides being around a bunch of officers was not his forte and if he prolonged his exposure he usually ended up in trouble.

CHANGE OF COMMAND THE OLD SERGEANT SERIES By Steve Newton (44)

It had taken two days to even find all their dress uniforms. The platoon did not have much occasion to use them in combat. However after much growling and complaining the platoon had turned out in full dress. The old sergeant thought his boys looked pretty good for a bunch of goons even if he did say so himself.

The ceremony started and the change of command took place right on schedule. As the new Commanding General began his inspection of the troops the sergeant was thinking that this would not be a good time for the terrorists to lob a mortar into the compound. His staff and the CO’s of the companies accompanied the General.

As the General slowly worked his way down the line he suddenly stopped and did a military left face and saluted the old sergeant. The sergeant crisply returned the salute. “Got a minute after the ceremony sergeant?” The General asked. “At your convenience sir,” the sergeant responded. The General moved on down the line. This was totally unheard of and the curiosity of the platoon was aroused. Even their company CO looked astounded.

As the ceremony drew to a close the sergeant dismissed his men to return to their own compound. “Sarge, you in trouble again? One of the goon squad asked. We’ve always wondered how you can get in so much trouble but never get any punishment. You gonna get out of this one too sarge?” Growling the sergeant said, “Just mind your own business and get back to the compound before I kick your ass! And I NEVER get in trouble!”

As the crowd dwindled the General and some of his staff finally broke free of the brown nosers and walked his way. The sergeant also noticed that his own CO was with him. “Hum, can’t think of anything I have done lately,” the sergeant thought.

The General again saluted the sergeant and the sergeant saluted back. Then the General reached out and shook his hand. “Good to meet you sergeant. I see your not wearing ALL your medals.” Before the General or the sergeant could say another word, the company CO jumped in. “General, I have had trouble with this sergeant before. He is insubordinate, unorthodox and a pain in the ass. He has been demoted, promoted and then demoted again. I don’t know how he manages to stay in the army sir. Sergeant! You immediately go and retrieve all your medals and report back to the General!”

The sergeant did not move and the General slowly turned to the CO. “Major. Before you say anything more to piss me off I suggest that you report back to your company. NO! Don’t you say a word major! As the CO slunk off the General leaned over and whispered. “Gee, what an asshole.” The sergeant smiled and said, “Yes Sir!”

“Hum, you are insubordinate. A very special friend of mine in Washington told me to keep an eye on you. Now I can see why, he said with a smile. You come and see me anytime son. I may need your advice.” As the General was walking away he turned and said, “and it’s always a pleasure to meet a Medal of Honor recipient.”

Steve Newton

Stevenewton69@hotmail.com

http://steven.newton1.home.att.net/

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