This was the fortune that I received when we went to the Kobe Steakhouse, a Japanese restaurant, last night (5 Dec 2008). Due to the lack of adequate and convenient Internet access this post is… well late. Anyway, it was a hibachi grill, where they cook in front of you.  Daley, Richardson and I decided that as a farewell to good food, hospitality and freedom as our last day in Birmingham that we would have some fine dining. The place was great, though the chef wasn’t as much of a showman as one usually finds at such an establishment.

We were in for a treat however. We were fortunate enough to share out table with a gentleman, Gene and his lovely wife Sheryl. Gene was a a former naval aviator and was very interesting, and made great conversation with us about our upcoming deployment. As we were wearing civilian cloths, I suppose that our short haircuts and demeanor gave us away. When the waitress came back at the end of the meal, we asked for our bills. We ordered on separate checks, with each of us being responsible for our own debts. Gene, however, had a different idea. At some point during the feast Gene clandestinely told the waitress to bring our checks to him. He paid for the whole meal! This of course was unbelievably generous and we bartered back and forth, but could not sway him from his decision. We thanked our new found friend and his wife.

Then our fortune cookies arrived, all three of us opened them to reveal incredibly relevant fortunes. Richardson’s stated: ”Your lucky color next week will be green.” As in ACU green, or Army green we laughed. Mine stated: “You will enjoy doing something different this coming weekend.” Such as going on active duty this weekend? Well I must say to this point, now one week later, I must agree. I am oddly enjoying this much more than I would have previously thought.

It is pleasing to see that good ol’ southern hospitialty is alive and kicking down in Birmingham. Perhaps what is more pleasing is knowing that there are people out there that do respect the men and women of our armed forces.

So to Gene and his wife I would like to extend a very warm thank you.

Hooah, go Army.

Stay tuned.