Mr Dorin comes to Visit

Last night I had a dream visit from my old mentor. His name and rank was Kenneth Dorin, Chief Warrant Officer Four, U.S. Army. Chief was my supervisor when I was a young soldier in the Michigan Army National Guard. I was cook in the military for 26 years.

Mr. Dorin was a great man. The finest officer I ever had the privilege to work for in all my years in the military. He retired with 44 years of service and passed away about 20 years ago. He had mentored and helped me along in my career many times. I tried to stay in touch with him over the years. Even after he retired he was involved with handling food service contacts at Camp Grayling. He got me a job cooking when the food service contracts at the camp went to civilian run dining facilities. It was crazy all the changes we both saw during our careers. He remembered when the National Guard used horses and mules. The stories he shared about those times were fascinating.

Chief sat down with me in the dream and we talked at length about how my life is going and my plans for the future. Honestly, I cannot remember specifically in detail what he shared with me, or what we said to each other, but it was comforting to see my old friend and mentor. The man was very much like a father to me. It frustrates me that I cannot remember the details of our conversation. I miss him very much.

Chief, I wished that I could have spent more time with you when you were alive and well. I could have learned so much more. You were a wise man and you gained that wisdom through life experience, hard work and education. You were my hero.

The Michigan Army National Guard was like being in the mafia so much of the time. The "family" could be so damn fickle. You could be loved and adored one second and then wake up with a horse head the next. The old boy network was alive and well during our career. I have a mix of great memories and horrible nightmares from the years of my service.

I have no regrets, but sometimes I wonder what could have been had things  been different and I had more control of myself and the circumstances I had found myself in at times.

Today is a new day and another chance to do something different. I will work at getting better every day. My dreams can come true. I am alive and each day is a new opportunity improve my life and have a better one.