Q&A Corner
Well, you asked, and now I answer. Welcome to Hook’s Q&A Corner where I will attempt to satisfy your collective inquiring minds as I answer a chunk of your questions each time. This will be a regular feature here at Sgt Hook, at least until I run out of questions, so without any further ado…
1. I was wondering how many shoes you received for the children of Afganistan?
Good question. As some of you might know, back in June we launched Operation Shoe Fly and the support from the folks back home has been tremendous. For those who don’t know, Operation Shoe Fly is the culmination of an idea born by a group of crewdogs flying in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After landing in numerous LZs across the war torn country and seeing many children with no shoes, they thought to help bring them some footwear. We are asking for donations of children’s shoes, for both boys and girls ages 14 and under, new or used so that we can deliver them to the future of Afghanistan. We started keeping inventory of the shoes as they came in, then the boxes starting piling up in the corner of our orderly room so I acquired a 20-feet long shipping container that is now half full of shoes. We stopped counting somewhere around 1,000 pair of shoes and my best estimate is that we currently have close to 3,000 pair of shoes received with roughly 500 pair delivered. Thanks to all who have helped Operation Shoe Fly, your efforts are making a difference over here, one small step at a time.
2. What is the best part of your position?
The best part of being a Soldier is going to work each day knowing that I’m a part of something larger than myself. The best part of being a first sergeant is starting each day standing in front of the best damned Soldiers in the world and watch with amazement at their dedication and courage and grit as they passionately defend freedom, and they do it with honor.
3. What is the worst part of your position?
The worst part of being a Soldier are the sacrifices that the lovely and talented and downright sexy Mrs. Hook and our merry band of swashbucklers are asked to make in support of the oath that I took. The worst part of being a first sergeant is that I’m no longer down in the trenches as a crewdog or squad leader getting dirt under my fingernails with the Soldiers. Oh, I find myself down there periodically, but nobody wants the first sergeant in their business all the time so I kind of miss those fun jobs on the tip of the spear.
4. If you could change one thing about the Army, what would it be?
One of the great things about the Army is that it constantly changes, always learning and adapting new and better ways of conducting operations so I’m hesitant to pick at things that I know will change but I think if I could change one thing on the grand scheme, I’d pay our Soldiers more. I’m not complaining about the current pay scale, I’m just saying that watching how hard these Soldiers work and how much they sacrifice you realize that it towers over what professional athletes do, but their pay pales in comparason.
5. Which of your soldiers has best demonstrated the Army Values over the past (deployment) and how?
You must not have children. I cannot single out one Soldier over another but I will tell you that I have never seen a better demonstration of the Army Values, specifically, Selfless Service and Honor in all that my Soldiers do everyday here in Afghanistan.
6. When you think of America, what comes to your mind first?
Land of the Free, Home of the Brave.
7. How did you get your start in the Army?
Short version- I dropped out of college at the end of my junior year, Syracuse University, bummed around for a couple of years cooking in some fabulous restaurants in New York and Florida, finally decided to listen to a little voice in my head that ironically sounded very much like my father and went down to the recruiting station to talk to the United States Coast Guard. They were at lunch, but the Army guy was there and before I knew it, I was sitting in a chair having my head shaved at Fort Dix New Jersey some 17-years ago.
8. What is your favorite activity to do when you are on leave/off duty?
I love nothing more than to spend time with my beautiful bride and our wonderful boys. I also enjoy very much to cook and do so whenever I find the time.
9. If you could go anywhere in the world (besides home) where would you go?
I’ve never been to Scotland and have always wanted to. My grandfather at 14-years of age hopped on a steamer in Scotland and crossed the Atlantic to America and I’ve always wanted to visit his homeland and hoist a few pints, maybe prance around in a kilt a bit.
10. If you had the chance to go back and “observe” one moment in history, what would it be?
Tough question as there are so many…the Anzio landing, those guys never quit…the Lewis and Clark expedition…Washington’s Delaware crossing…and if I had to pick one, the Fall of the Roman Empire, a lot to learn there I think.
11. Who is your biggest political hero?
Ronald Reagan
12. Who was your biggest political let-down?
Richard Nixon
13. In 10 words or less tell me what your platform would be if you were running for President.
I don’t think I have the stomach for politics, but I’d probably borrow from one of the greats and simply state… “ask not what your country can do for you.” There, nine words, nuff said.
14. North Shore or Waikiki?
You’d be hard pressed to find a more beautiful stretch of beach than Waikiki, but I’m a North Shore kind of guy.
15. Boxers or briefs?
That ought to be enough to take in at one time, I’ve plenty more answers to your questions coming in the very near future, but feel free to leave a question or two in the comments or send them via email and I’ll answer them ASAP. Sgt Hook out.
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