53 Responses to:
A KENTUCKY RUN OF YEARS AGO

# 1. 7/26/10 12:15 AM
Beautiful writing Bob. Today you taught a true principle. And any of us who have overcome fear, persevered, and conquered know exactly of what you speak.

If can be mothering difficult children, or staying in a miserable job situation; it can be sticking to a diet, or completing a marathon; or surviving cancer treatment, or repairing a broken marriage; it can be anything we really don't want to do, and yet we doggedly do it. By deciding to do it. Because it's what needs to be done.

Self-respect doesn't come easily, but when we earn it, it's the sweetest of all victories.

# 2. 7/26/10 12:20 AM by DaWiz - San Antonio, Texas
Amen, fellow Veteran. altogether too many people in this country want what this country has to give without doing anything to earn it. I've always thought the stupidest move this country ever made was to eliminate the draft. Maybe this country should take a page from Robert A. Heinlein's book "Starship Troopers"; you don't serve your country, you don't vote!

# 3. 7/26/10 1:07 AM by Jolene
That was a work in progress preparing you for life and its' challenges. Tough in body, tougher in spirit.

# 4. 7/26/10 1:23 AM by Paul Martin - Rochester, NY
On Halloween day, Oct 1963 I enlisted in the USMC. I went to Parris Island for boot camp. I knew that if I could complete Marine Corps Boot Camp and pass, I could anything I set my mind to do. I've carried that mine since the age of 17 and now I'm almost 64. It still works for me. SEMPER FI!!! Thank you for the Marine Corps teaching me a way of life and meaning.

# 5. 7/26/10 2:26 AM by Pat - Branchport
Dear Bob, I ran the hill behind your old school once at a cross country meet. I believe it was 1981. I forget my time but it was faster than usual after Coach Burke told us all about the rattlesnakes in the woods and the black bear that had been seen near the living sign on the hill a few days before our meet. You poll forgot an option. Both my parents served. My father was a USMC Gunnery Sgt. and served 24 yrs. My mother was a Lance Corporal, served 2 yrs.

# 6. 7/26/10 3:35 AM
Nice message Bob.

# 7. 7/26/10 3:37 AM by JK Bell - Harrisville Utah
Why does anyone think running up a hill makes anyone a better person?

I don't get the run crap.

I understand working hard and setting goals. I understand commitment. I understand working through pain.

I wasn't pussy like you. I played football. I played hurt. I both inflicted and endured punishment.

But I have always hated running.

In high school I was one of the fastest players on the team. That is for the first 100 yards but if we had to run 500 yards, I was dead last.

After high school I joined the Navy. In the Navy you don't have to run. Consequently, the average IQ score in the Navy is 20 points higher than the Army and Marines.

The Army tells the troops running up hills makes them better people. Only the stupidest of the stupid really believe it.

# 8. 7/26/10 4:06 AM by Sterling Hudson - Hattiesburg, MS
Brutality in any form is wrong. Always. I avoided the military for this reason. Cruelty and harshness NEVER are the best way to create anything good.

Look at the fruits of it. Suicide takes as many young military men's lives today as does combat fatalities on "our side."

Thou shalt not kill wasn't just an idea. Nor was it merely a good idea. It was a commandment of our Creator.

America is blighted today because we have ignored God, and his fundamental To Do List.

Wars are as American as apple pie and bailouts.

I salute the producer, the inventor, the business builders and the invisible heroes who man and woman the service industries.

Shame of the tradition we have idolizing those who destroy, kill and cause utter misery across the earth.

Of course you'll delete this, Bob. Any persuasive writing by me has always been so treated. Just I thought I'd see if you truly have a spine sufficient to allow a serious, deeply felt contrary opinion.

I admire a devoted worker over a soldier anyday.

# 9. 7/26/10 6:49 AM
Good job, soldier!

# 10. 7/26/10 6:53 AM by OldVietVet - Rochester, NY
At Parris Island in the 60s, running was one aspect of physical fitness-but only one. Its status hadn't yet been elevated to a near spiritual level as it would in the early 80s. Physical training (PT)stressed overall fitness- calisthenics, strength,agility and mental toughness.A great combination. The vaunted "confidence" course was only mildly challenging-and I wasn't a high school athlete. There were a few who couldnt climb ropes or swim- astonishing to me since I'd grown up climbing trees in the woods and swimming in the lake as much as playing baseball. Even a drill instructor threatening decapitation with scatological addendums couldnt make them overcome their fears.My most memorable,enjoyable, and rewarding challenge at PI was not physical,but mental-the rifle range.Qualifying with the M-14 rifle was the zenith of boot camp training,and if you failed, (became an "UNK")the consequences were unpleasant to say the least.The Marine Corps instructors on the rifle range taught us old fashioned marksmanship, and succeeding on the rifle range was an accomplishment no Marine can forget.The physical stuff was there, but the mental challenge to succeed and to be admitted to the Marine Corps brotherhood was worth a thousand high school "letters".

# 11. 7/26/10 7:17 AM
Your comments are really directed towards those on welfare and social services, isn't it? I know your passion in life is to lift everyone from rags to riches, and that's fine. However, its gonna take a hell of a lot more than just an Army experience to correct a generational atrocity. Innocent children being brought into this world under conditions most certainly brought upon by someone other than themselves. The underlying factors are almost never focused upon.

# 12. 7/26/10 7:21 AM by kenrochester - Rochester
Bob , you left out one option in your poll. Both parents served Us Army ,that was back in early 1950's when not as many female served.

# 13. 7/26/10 7:27 AM by eh Rod - CANADA`
Real men pick their own hills, rather than letting the army (i.e., the government) tell them where to run.

# 14. 7/26/10 7:32 AM by Ham - Wabash, IN
To me, it is an absolute requirement that anyone wishing to assume the office of Commander in Chief must have undergone Basic Combat Training. I know it is not a constitutional requirement, but it is one of mine when I step in the voting booth. The colonel who led had also learned to follow!

# 15. 7/26/10 7:33 AM by Leigh - Rochester, NY
#8- Go F@#K yourself. Soldiers- the people you refuse to admire- are better than you. You, your attitude and your beliefs are disgusting and, thankfully, in the minority.

# 16. 7/26/10 7:42 AM by ex-pansy
Good stuff this morning, Bob.

Heard this in church a few weeks ago:

"The path to your greatest potential is often through your greatest fear"

So I have been trying to figure out what things I am REALLY afraid of so that I can, at some point in my life, mow them down.

I'm training for my first triathlon and my second marathon, and I'm REALLY freaked out about having my feet clipped into the bike pedals for the triathlon. It's a real psychological barrier for me...like having an IV in my arm...I ABSOLUTELY HATE the thought of being physically tethered or attached to ANYTHING. Plus, the marathon is only three weeks after the tri, so if I crash on the bike, and can't get my feet free on time, I will probably screw myself for the marathon.

So, I finally just decided that enough is enough. Though it will surely slow me down; I really don't HAVE to have my feet clipped in for my very first race. I also volunteered at a triathlon this weekend to get a chance to see what one was like before actually participating in one. It REALLY helped calm my fears. Basically, all I really have to do is just finish the thing, and I can take care of the details later. It's not like I'm going to come in last or anything, right? (Maybe THAT'S what I'm REALLY afraid of!)

Conquering fear is like eating an elephant. Gotta take things one bite at a time.

# 17. 7/26/10 7:49 AM by ex-pansy
#13...Hey, Canukski...Bob DID pick his hills.

You missed the part about the pregnant wife, didn't you?

# 18. 7/26/10 7:56 AM by Rick G. - Spencerport, NY
Just read the comments from the anti-soldier brigade. Guess they must live in the flatlands of life, which is somewhere south of Doucheville.

# 19. 7/26/10 8:00 AM
Sure, you don't write this column last Friday when the Schwan's truck stopped here and I broke my diet wallowing in a half gallon of Raspberry Rumble ice Cream.

# 20. 7/26/10 8:12 AM by rochester escapee
Great story. My brother always said that a little hardship builds character.

I was in great shape in boot camp and got high PT for the company (and was high GT also). Didn't care much for army life though and just did my two years.

Re your poll: My brother and I served in the US army in the 60's. Our father served in a foreign army in WWII against the US and its allies. He was a good soldier who eventually became a good and hard working productive American.

# 21. 7/26/10 8:19 AM by GEORGE ( THE REAL CANADIAN) - GANANOQUE ONTARIO CANADA
*

"Gunga Dihn, Gunga Dihn!

You're a better man than I am.

You're a better man than I am Gunga Dihn!"

# 22. 7/26/10 8:35 AM by Jodi - Wayne County East
HE WHO ENDURES TO THE END WILL BE SAVED!

Great recommended inspirational reading on faith and endurance, Hebrews chapter 11. The Hall of Faith.

Right there with you Bob. Fort Knox basic and AIT Armor training 1982. Jodi's got your girl and gone.

Watch "Stripes" with Bill Murray. Filmed at Fort Knox. Same era WWII barracks. Brings back good memories. Only wish Sergeant Hulka was my DI.

Editor's Note: stripes is why i went in the army

# 23. 7/26/10 8:44 AM by Carole - Greenwood
Okay time to try the hill in Canisteo again, you can do it. I Love to see that sign in the trees. It make you feel homey.

# 24. 7/26/10 9:09 AM by Ryan H - Victor, NY
That fear of failure, fear of letting someone down, fear of looking weak, that is a fear people need to embrace.

We all should embrace the "until I collapse" mentality you had that day. The mind should not quit before the body. Until I collapse I will keep going.

# 25. 7/26/10 9:22 AM by m
on friday i was told that if my dept has to make budget cuts, i am on the list.... have had a tough weekend. thanks for a little push this AM.

Editor's Note: hang tough, soldier.

# 26. 7/26/10 9:38 AM by Mark
See you in 2 weeks at the Phelps 20k race. Not for the weak.

Editor's Note: i do it just for the free can of silver floss

# 27. 7/26/10 9:42 AM by PBT - Lima, NY
Bob, Your column came at exactly the right time for me today.....I just finished saying the Serenity Prayer and here comes Bob with his inspiration! Also.......... “Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.” - Winston Churchill (I think he wasn't worried about political correctness)

# 28. 7/26/10 9:53 AM by Jolene
Bob...go see "Inception". It will make you forget all your problems for two hours.

# 29. 7/26/10 10:03 AM
If anything it's kept you lean and trim.

# 30. 7/26/10 10:27 AM by RC - Bloomington, IN
The following is from the script of "Full Metal Jacket." Note that Bob Lonsberry will be playing the part of "JOKER." I've always thought that your drill sergeant probably felt this same way. That's a story I would love to read.

46 INT. BARRACKS--DAY

HARTMAN talks to the platoon, again in a school- circle.

HARTMAN - Pickett!

PICKETT - Sir, yes, sir!

HARTMAN - O-three-hundred, Infantry. Toejam!

TOEJAM - Sir, yes,sir!

HARTMAN - O-three-hundred, Infantry. Adams!

ADAMS - Sir, yes, sir!

HARTMAN - Eighteen-hundred,Engineers. You go outand find mines. Cowboy!

COWBOY - Sir, yes, sir!

HARTMAN - O-three-hundred, Infantry! Taylor!

TAYLOR - Sir, yes, sir!

HARTMAN - O-three-hundred, Infantry. Joker!

JOKER - Sir, yes, sir!

HARTMAN - Forty-two-twelve, Basic Military Journalism. You gotta be !*&!@ting me, Joker! You think you're Mickey Spillane? Do you think you're some kind of f-ing writer?

JOKER - Sir, I wrote for my high school newspaper, sir!

HARTMAN - Jesus H. Christ, you're not a writer, you're a killer!

JOKER - A killer, yes, sir!

# 31. 7/26/10 10:29 AM
The IQ of the Navy would have been more, but people like #7 JK Bell brought it down.

# 32. 7/26/10 10:41 AM
This is some kind of metaphor, right?

# 33. 7/26/10 10:42 AM by James
# 9. 7/26/10 6:49 AM Good job, soldier!

As a real soldier, CWO II, two tours in Viet Nam as an evac chopper pilot, Purple Heart, twice, who served honorably for 8 years, I resent someone, anyone, referring to Bob as a "soldier." He will admit that his service was no strain and that he was never in any danger.

Public Affairs folks are just office help in the military.

# 34. 7/26/10 11:06 AM by chris - rochester
Hey #33, James, your an a**hole.

# 35. 7/26/10 11:16 AM by Mark - Greece
The timeline shows you were in the beginning years of the all-volunteer Army. I commend you highly for that sacrifice. I also would like to chime in and say every young person who attains the age of 19 (plenty of time to get a high-school diploma) should do at least 6 months' basic military service for their country. I'm sure some would elect to stay in, thus easing our recruitment problems. But the greater advantage is that these kids would learn to be ADULTS who must make their own way in life. And for some, that gangs aren't the only path they have. America would benefit in the long run.

# 36. 7/26/10 11:18 AM by rochester escapee
Question for all you smart navy guys: Is it true there's a lot of tickling going on aboard ship?

# 37. 7/26/10 11:31 AM by Vet '72
Thanks for the Basic Training memories, Bob! I did mine at Ft. Jackson, S.C., and then on to Advanced Infantry Training. Right after that, I went to Ft. Benning, GA, to paratroopers training. Let me tell you, the running that they made you do there was all the time and every where you had to be. And, I had to do it through the month of August! It was hot, Hot, HOT! We stayed in WWII barracks while there. No A/C. But, hey, when you're 18 years old in the Army you didn't question it or complain! I wish I was that skinny today from all that running!

# 38. 7/26/10 12:08 PM by James
# 34. 7/26/10 11:06 AM by chris - rochester Hey #33, James, your an a**hole.

Maybe so Chris, but I served my country honorably and in the face of battle.

You?

# 39. 7/26/10 12:18 PM by infidel - greece ny
HEY BOB!!!!!!!!!!!!! I ALSO RAN UP MISERY AND AGONY IN BASIC YEAR 1963. REALLY WAS TUFF BUT I ALSO MADE IT! WORLD WAR TWO BARRACKS WERE TUFF AS WE SELDOM HAD HOT WATER TO SHOWER WITH.ALSO NO HEAT IN IN BARRACKS SO WE HAD TO WRAP UP IN NEWS PAPER TO KEEP WARM AT NIGHT ALSO. NEVER FORGET MISERY AND AGONY IN MY LIFE TIME.

Editor's Note: newspaper? didn't you guys have those nasty, scratchy wool blankets? they were torture at first, but as the fatigue and cold got to you over the weeks, they felt like a mother's embrace.

# 40. 7/26/10 1:25 PM by Bill - North Chili
># 38. 7/26/10 12:08 PM by James ># 34. 7/26/10 11:06 AM by chris - rochester >Hey #33, James, your an a**hole. > >Maybe so Chris, but I served my country >honorably and in the face of battle. > >You?

Is the Department of Defense aware that you have been appointed to determine who is and who is not allowed to be considered a soldier?

I appreciate your service, but you remain an idiot.

# 41. 7/26/10 1:32 PM by Wade - Eagle Mountain, UT
I was never in the military, but I too ran cross-country in high school. I was actually pretty decent back then. Now that I'm older, running is a lot harder and hurts a lot more. But on Pioneer Day I ran in the Deseret News 5k, my goal being to run the whole way without stopping. And I made it!

# 42. 7/26/10 1:54 PM
Good stuff, Bob. No comment to your column...it speaks for itself. But I about crapped a load when I heard Rod Arquette is going to be on KNRS in the afternoons (4-7) coming up soon. Too bad. And they complained about your ratings??? I think he's a puppet until they bring Hannity on in October. Poor dumb Rod. He'll be ousted too.

Editor's Note: i don't know. i wouldn't be surprised if he gets hired to run the station. rod's career is on a downward spiral of some few years duration, but this could be where he turns it around. he won't be a success on the air, but he might be able to work up the ladder behind the scenes.

# 43. 7/26/10 2:01 PM by Fairport mom
33 and 38, James - are you arguing that only a person in combat is a true soldier? What kind of combat does it have to be - hand-to-hand? Does there need to be imminent danger of death? Does the soldier have to get shot at to be a real soldier? What if he's shot at but not wounded - is he still a real soldier?

I suggest you get a real soldier to shoot that enormous chip off your shoulder. I bet there were a whole lot of military people whose hard work enabled you to do your job. In the eyes of this civilian, anyone who serves our country in the military in any capacity is honorable. They are soldiers.

You, sir, are trying to mask some pretty big insecurities.

# 44. 7/26/10 5:53 PM by James
Is the Department of Defense aware that you have been appointed to determine who is and who is not allowed to be considered a soldier?

I appreciate your service, but you remain an idiot.

As I said before, maybe I am. But what about your service to the country? Care to elaborate?

# 45. 7/26/10 6:36 PM by GB
I ran cross country in HS and it trained me to not give up when life dumps a load on you then sucker punches you right square in the nads.

And you anti-soldier wussies living in Douchville, isn't that right next to Enemaville?

# 46. 7/26/10 7:35 PM by Johnson - salt lake city
never heard you say kids beating you up at school made you stronger but I can see why they beat you up - you're narrow minded distorted thinking is annoying! The real question is did you learn anything??

# 47. 7/26/10 8:45 PM by GEORGE ( THE OTHER ONE) - GANANOQUE ONTARIO CANADA
*

#33 James, while we honour you for your service and stand in awe of anyone who would fly an egg beater under fire, please remember what Churchill said ( he was quoting someone whom I cannot remember)

" He also serves, who stands and waits."

Anyone who goes through basic has earned the right to be called and called proudly -

"SOLDIER"

# 48. 7/26/10 9:34 PM by booth - canisteo
All 3 of our kids are fascinated by the living sign. Each year the summer rec takes the kids hiking up there. Every year they want to do it, it never loses its appeal.

# 49. 7/26/10 10:02 PM by Rick - Lehi Utah
About your poll question... I would love to have been able to click on yes...however, I can not..I enlisted in the USAF but because of an old geezer at the MEPS giving physicals that day I was given F4. Not that day.. He saw little red dots on my chest and asked if I have ever been treated for the acne.. I told him it was not acne.. He said it sure looks like acne to him.. if not what is it... I told him, "It is neuro fibromatosis." He said back, "Nuero fibroma what?" He never heard of it. He sent me to see a dermatologist. The dermatologist sent him back a letter saing it was "exactly what the young man said it is" The old geezer (this doc must must have been in his 80s) sent me a letter telling me I am disqualified from serving my country. To bad because I believe I would have made a damned good airman. My father would liked to have served but he was born with Cerebal palsy and could not join up

# 50. 7/26/10 10:45 PM by Gary M - Hornell, NY USA
So, did you ever go back and run around the world famous living sign?

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