Dog Tags

In the days after 9-11-01, the one thing I heard over and over was that people who died were unable to be identified at the time, so families were in limbo, wondering where their loved ones were or if they were even alive.

Years earlier, I told my brother-in-law, an Army attack helicopter pilot stationed at Ft. Campbell, that I wanted some authentic dog tags. He showed up at one of our family gatherings and handed me my very own set of Army dog tags.

After hearing about families not knowing about loved ones, I started wearing my dog tags every day. If by chance I became a victim of something like what happened on 9-11, I figured that the tag might be found and would give my family closure.

Over the years, I took one tag off because if someone saw me wearing them, I did not want to give the impression that I had served. I have tremendous respect for all who have served, but I don't want anyone to think I am pretending I served.

One year, when Allison returned from Japan, she gave me a coin from Japan. I put the coin on the chain.

Another thing on that chain is my wedding ring, which will not go over my knuckle. As I work on mechanical things, my fingers get larger. This ring is a size 13 and my third one. My first wedding ring was a size 10 and is in my safe. The second ring was a size 12, and I think it is also in the safe. I wanted to keep this one with me even if I can’t wear it. Today I wear a size 14 gear ring that matches one that Jennifer has.

I have worn this dog tag every day for the last 25 years.