Blather

By US Customs Senior Inspector

In August 2002, I spent six weeks at OBS on a very productive TDY. If an inspector had a question about a person or shipment that might be related to terrorism, OBS could give that inspector the information needed to release or refer.

The TDY personnel work in the function familiar to them. There are land border inspectors, airport inspectors, and cargo inspectors. The group with whom I worked were from all over the country- Puerto Rico, San Ysidro, Miami, Texas, etc. Fred welcomed me as the only other San Francisco/Oakland inspector.

The details of what I did are supposed to stay in the room, and with my really, really short-term memory, they stayed there. But there was more than just work on this TDY. There was the chance to see the Smithsonian, the Library of Congress, etc.

As a former Marine, Fred organized our trip to see the Marine demonstration at Arlington National Cemetery. "One more touristy thing to see in DC," I muttered to myself. At the appointed time, I climbed into the van. Arriving at Arlington, we had to park about two miles from the Iwo Jima Memorial and take a bus from the parking lot. One Minneapolis family rode the bus with us, toting children's equipment, cameras, and a baby stroller; they were dressed like Midwesterners on vacation. The family introduced themselves to us, and we introduced ourselves to them, chatting on the bus to the observation area. They were happy I'd been to Bemidji, MN. Once the bus dropped us off, we sort of lost track of them. Looking around, I saw old folks, kids, a few singles, mostly families. I looked around and saw a slice of America -- visitors from everywhere. It struck me that this was the reason we were working in OBS -- to make sure these folks had something like the security they were enjoying that moment.

As soon as we got there, the presentation started. I was very surprised by the content of the Marines' program. Lots of young guys performed amazing things with M-1 Garand rifles. Their precision was terrific! Their marching, the band's drums and brass, the rifles gleaming in the twilight, and the martial manner in which they carried themselves did something to all of us.

We were proud to be Americans.

While the program was going on, we forgot about the sticky weather and having to work in the morning; all we saw was a company of dedicated Marines and the high level of precision that stems from their dedication.

Seeing the Marines at Arlington National Cemetery was the high point of the TDY. Oh, we certainly did important work, we all got "attaboy" awards, and we had a good time getting to know each other in the lobby of the hotel. But none of us will forget the experience of watching those Marines. Thanks, Fred.