“You never judge a book by its cover”… at least that’s what
my Mom always taught me! You have to
crack that sucker open and read through the first 50 pages BEFORE you decide
whether or not to finish the book!
Mostly because you don’t want to invest your time into something you
don’t find of any value…whether it be educational or entertaining! I
think this same idea applies to people…you can’t fully value a person until
you've invested time in their story.
…And if their story is ANYTHING like George Quinton…believe you
me…you’ll be happy to invest your time!
My friend, George Quinton, born
December 18, 1921 grew up to be an avid adventurer in the 20 acre farm off East
River Road in Idaho Falls.
His growing up years passed quickly and realizing that he would most
likely be drafted into the armed services, George made his way to Boise, Idaho
to enlist for the Navy in June 1942! He was
accepted and inducted into The United States Navy then traveled to San Diego
for military training. After the
completion of Boot Camp, George made his way to Pearl Harbor (just months after
the infamous Pearl Harbor bombing) by way of former luxury-liner-turned-military-transport
ship. George recalls witnessing the aftermath of the
horrific events of December 7, 1941…he told me, “as much as those good ol' boys had
tried to clean up after the bombings…I could still see the destruction of Pearl
Harbor…including the four inches of oil that had seeped out of destroyed
vessels that sat atop the water’s edge.”
George was a dedicated petty
officer third class! His scope through
the entirety of his naval career found him as boatswain for 35 and 50 foot boats
running to and from surface vessels with much needed supplies...to...2nd
division detail making sure the exterior structure of the Makin Island (converted
escort carrier) surface vessel was in working order. George would refuel, transport supplies and
shoot the gunnery on the ship which made his time in the military pass
quickly! Like many great American
Soldiers George found great passion for boxing and while serving in the Navy
(and unbeknownst to him) was elected to box someone against his will…his
opponent breaking George’s nose in the process.
That was all it took for George to get up off the ground and knock out
his opponent…winning in front of his fellow shipmates! George was revered, respected and noted for
his ability, just as in his boxing match, to pick himself up off the ground and
succeed in the face of defeat! I think I
would call that extreme resiliency! This
same resiliency that would be necessary, much later in George’s life, in aiding
him to lovingly care for his wife while she battled Alzheimer’s disease. The same disease that accelerated her
graduation into the spirit world…for which George patiently waits to be with
her again!
As my family and I have had the
good fortune of visiting with George frequently and the possibility of his
presence at Thanksgiving Dinner…we decided to write him a note of thanks! These are some of the sentiments we've included in our letter that writer, Cathy
Maxwell, offers ALL Veterans’ on this, our Veteran’s Day:
*Thank you for enlisting and
stepping forward when so many step back.
*Thank you for playing mediator
between us and danger.
*Thank you for delaying plans for
college, marriage, and other opportunities and choosing to serve.
*Thank you for braving the
horrific and unspeakable horrors of war.
*Thank you for sacrificing time
with your families and missing those significant milestones the rest of us take
for granted.
*Thank you to spouses who live
nomadic lives, often far away from the comforts and traditions of extended family.
*Thank you to your children who
live most of their lives without your presence recognizing they must share you
with the rest of the nation.
*Thank you to your parents who
can only prayer for your safety and hope for the willingness of the citizens of
our country to offer the best we have for you.
*Thank you for giving our country a
conscience.
*Thank you for showing us who we
are and what we have the opportunity to become.
*Thank you!!!! Knowing that thanks…just isn't enough!!!!
♦ Hope you'll Honor our Veterans AND share YOUR stories and photos with us at: nutshellstories@gmail.com.
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