In line to get a cup of coffee Wednesday morning at PJs, I introduced myself to a young man ahead of me. His name was Rick Clawson, a fine looking young man with a congenial smile. After he was served, he stepped outside.

A short time later, he came back into the coffee shop to ask me a question about local politics. I was anxious to share my opinion.

In the course of conversation, Rick shared he graduated from Abramson High School and immediately joined the Army. After two years, he was discharged and then attended Delgado, studying architecture and civil engineering. When the Gulf War started, he joined the Marines.

“Were you ever stationed overseas?” I asked. “Yes,” he answered. “I served five tours of duty in Iraq.” “How long was each tour?” I asked. “From seven to eight months,” he replied. “Any regrets?” I questioned. “Only one,” he said. “I miss leaving my Marine buddies behind. We were a family.” Rick shared that he retired from the U.S. Marines after 22 years of active duty.

“Why did you choose the Marines?” was my next question. “We are a special bred. Marines are born; they are not made,” he proudly answered.

As I was speaking with Rick, a lady at the next table heard our conversation. She approached Rick, stuck out her hand and said, “I just want to thank you for your service to our country.”

After all of that, I found out Rick is 43 years old and married. His wife’s name is Tanya, and they have two daughters. The oldest, Jessica, is l8, graduated from St. Charles Catholic High School and attends Louisiana College in Pineville on an academic scholarship. She is also on the soccer team.

The youngest, Sarah, is 14 and a ninth-grader at St. Charles.

Meeting Rick was a blessing. It was a great start to the day, and to think, this all took place before 8:30 a.m.

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477, or email hkeller@comcast.net.