It’s now 1972. We are now a family of five. Christine and Jim are 6 and 5 respectively. Jeffrey, born in Denver, is about a year old. The “Zero Population Growth“ Movement is in full of themselves. They frowned upon us for being greedy and having a third child. “Screw em”, I thought. They (who the hell are “they”?). They called us “The Scooler Tribe “.
Soon we would experience some life affecting changes. First, the Air Force decided I needed some formal education in Air Force and DOD financial management systems. I received orders to attend the 6 week Professional Military Comptroller Course at Maxwell AFB, in Montgomery, AL.
At about the same time, Marjorie’s dad got very ill. We decided to leave Denver temporarily. I would go to Maxwell and Marjorie and the three kids would head to Orangeburg, where she could help with her dad.
Sooo. Here we were. Me in Alabama, Marjorie, the kids and her family in Orangeburg, SC about 5 1/2 hours away She actually enrolled Christine and Jim in the public school in Orangeburg. Even though it would only be a 6-week assignment.
Like many Air Force Schools, Friday was a short day to allow students and faculty to enjoy a good weekend. At about 1pm I would cut out from Montgomery, AL and head northeast to Orangeburg, SC. I’d arrive in Orangeburg at about 8PM , in time for Marjorie and me to get to Duke’s BBQ before they closed at 9. I’d spend the next day with family and head back to Maxwell for class Monday morning.
Maybe it was a bit more than Duke’s BBQ that encouraged me to make that 5 1/2 hour trip for 6 Fridays.
I completed that important financial management course and that gave me some knowledge and credentials to allow my progress to some significant leadership jobs in Air Force Financial Management.
Duke’s BBQ, Orangeburg is still our go-to BBQ place for the past 50+ years. God, I’m old. Enuf