Olympia Food Coop
Accepting a different way of eating has posed some interesting life changes. Like mingling with people I would normally have nothing in common with at our local food coop. I have to admit that I enjoy it. Kind of like going to the zoo in the 60's. I was observing the wildlife while the wildlife was observing me. As a Washington State Guard soldier, I attended our monthly drill yesterday at Camp Murray and was about to go to a retirement luncheon. Pam called and told me she had been in an accident and that her car's side airbags had deployed. I asked her if she was alright and found out that she was, but just shaken up. She asked me to meet her at the body shop where her car was being towed. The car was pretty messed up and close to a total loss. On the way home, I decided to stop by the local food co-op to get a loaf of bread while still in uniform. From that experience, I came away with a clearer understanding of what it feels like to be different and a minority. I was observed like I was from another planet. When I got to the counter, the girl (at least I'm pretty sure it was a girl) behind the counter just kind of wrinkled up her face at me like she had just burped up something that didn't agree with her. Then she said sarcastically, "Are you on a mission?". I considered admitting that I was a part of a special ops group assigned by President Bush to discreetly infiltrate America's counter culture. My cover was to become a vegan and hang with the natives. How on earth did the clerk blow my cover? Instead I just told her that I was on a mission to buy a loaf of whole wheat bread and ended the conversation with "Mission accomplished. " It was a really strange experience. I felt it might be appropriate to burn my draft card or something. I do have to admit it was fun. Next time I am bored, I think I'll wear my uniform to the Farmer's Market, Evergreen State College campus, or downtown Olympia to make some new friends. God love them all.
MOH Recipient John Hawk and CW2 Jack D. Clark at flag presentation ceremony in the Washington State Capital Building.
