8 April 24

I try to be a good, decent, honorable man, but there are times when I’m really horrible.  Completely irredeemable.  Never trust me – at least when it comes to whiskey.

When I was in the Air Force we had a squadron commander who was pretty cool.  Although a teetotaler, he knew the importance of a squadron bar or “Heritage Room.”  We had a nice one. There was a flashing beer light that alerted the squadron members that it was the end of the day and responsible imbibing was permitted.  I kept a bottle of scotch in my desk.  The same rules applied to my whisky – responsible drinking.  I told the crews that they were always welcome to my scotch.  It was enjoyable to see guys show up with glasses at four thirty looking for two fingers of the finest whisky we could find in Eastern New Mexico.  I’d arrive at work in the morning and see that the night crews had hit my booze pretty hard after their flights the night before.  I was always glad to replace it with new bottles of scotch.  

One time I was at my desk when I saw the commander of our sister squadron walk in with a legitimately nice bottle of scotch.  I remember mumbling, “Oh, dude, you should not have done that.”  “No, no, Jeff.  I’ve been enjoying a lot of your scotch lately and I feel the need to replace it.” was his reply.  I thanked him profusely.  

Finally, being my last assignment, it was time for me to retire.  I sent a ‘squadron all’ email to everyone saying what an honor it was to do the important work that we accomplished together.  Then I added, “By the way, while you were always drinking from the finest bottles of scotch that money could buy, at no time were you ever drinking anything other than Johnny Red (Johnny Walker Red – a mid-shelf scotch).  I decanted the good stuff and poured in the Red.  Remember when you took a swig and said, “Mmm.  Smooth!”  Yeah.  Me too.  That always made me laugh.  Best of luck”.  

And as for the really good bottle my friend brought in?  I took it home, decanted it, and poured in Johnny Red.  Did I mention that I’m horrible…