My Boston Vacation
It’s been a long time since I’ve been home to visit friends and family. If you are reading this, then you are one of those special persons in my life. I’d like to thank you for your friendship and hospitality.
I would also like to share a story of two of my very good friends: first, Larry Hittinger, who we all know and love. Mr. Nice Guy, would you not agree? This story starts two weeks after the Boston Marathon bombing. Through the grape vine, I received an article about Larry from a friend. A bomb went off right next to Larry at the Marathon. As most people fled for their lives, one of my best friends (Larry) went running into harms way and picked up an 11 year old boy with his leg severely wounded. Larry ran through the crowd to an ambulance and tied a tourniquet on the boy’s leg. The boy survived and his leg was saved due to Larry, but here is where the story turns strange: Larry never called me but someone else let me know what Larry did that sad day in Boston history.
This is an example of a true hero, even to this day he does not talk about it . He became Mr. Bostonian of the Year (2013), and after being interviewed he was asked why he did this courageous act. Our friend’s answer was “I just had to do it.” Thank you Larry this is one of the reasons your national slogan is Boston Strong.
Mr Bostonian…My second story is about USMC Captain Harry Hinkle marine corps recruiter 1973 (my mentor). He took me off the streets and turned me from a street punk to Marine. I found Harry, 67 years young, down the Cape. It’s been more than 40 years since we were together. I saw something on his wall and read it. I would like to share this letter with you that I scanned. So, here it is…
The Captain, who shared so many stories with me, just happened to forget about mentioning what you just read. I felt like he did not confide in me the most important story of his career. Harry, he is a humble man, and a true hero that kept this amazing Bronze Star story to himself. He was always my hero and after uncovering this letter I’m sure he is yours. Thank you, Captain Hinkle. Nowadays, the slogan for the Marines is “We’re looking for a few good men.” Back when I went in it was, “We don’t promise you a rose garden”. Everyday Harry would remind me of that before I left for boot camp. Trust me, boot camp was no Rose Garden! I’d like to take a moment to thank Larry & Harry for being good friends. I cannot give you their email, but if you would like to send a comment I will pass it along to them.