At the risk of preaching to the choir, I’m just going to go ahead and assume that most of you bros know that Memorial Day is about more than simply drinking too much during a long weekend. So, it is necessary to every so often trim the (albeit funny) fat of kids drinking too much in the sun and reflect on the ultimate sacrifices our servicemen and women have made in order for us to be able to do things like drink too much in the sun.
Which is why this story about Marine Chris Diaz is worth reading. Diaz lost his life while serving in the Middle East on September 28th, 2011. To honor him, one of his close friends and fellow brother-in-arms Uncle Chaps shared a story via Twitter of the time Diaz embarrassed their sergeant major.
Gonna share a story about my pal Chris Diaz who was killed in Afghanistan 28 September 2011.
— Chaps (@UncleChaps) May 27, 2016
Often times when people are killed in action, their legacy becomes their service and that alone. That's not fair to their memory IMO.
— Chaps (@UncleChaps) May 27, 2016
Chris was a goofy fucker who would be pissed if he knew people thought of him as some Last Action Hero.
— Chaps (@UncleChaps) May 27, 2016
Chris was a great Marine. One time, we had won NCO of the quarter in consecutive quarters so we had, & I mean HAD, to eat with base SgstMaj.
— Chaps (@UncleChaps) May 27, 2016
We all hated it. It was awkward and they were usually dicks to us.
— Chaps (@UncleChaps) May 27, 2016
Chris and I made a bet. Winner of a best of 5 Madden tournament got to make the dinner as awkward as possible for the other at the dinner.
— Chaps (@UncleChaps) May 27, 2016
I won. Chris had to order nothing but "girly drinks" all night with the senior leaders. Starting with at least 3 virgin drinks.
— Chaps (@UncleChaps) May 27, 2016
The base Sergeant Major looked at Diaz with ultimate disgust when he said "I'll have a frozen virgin pina colada." The meal was ribeyes. Lol
— Chaps (@UncleChaps) May 27, 2016
Everyone else is drinking whiskey or beer and Chris is walking around in dress uniform with combat medals drinking a virgin drink w/umbrella
— Chaps (@UncleChaps) May 27, 2016
I tell Chris he has to order our battalion Sgtmaj a Shirley temple. He does. The Sgt maj becomes irate.
— Chaps (@UncleChaps) May 27, 2016
"DIAZ!! GET YOUR ASS OUTSIDE!"
"Aye, SgtMaj."
"What the fuck is your problem?! You're embarrassing me!"
"By buying delicious drinks?"
— Chaps (@UncleChaps) May 27, 2016
Diaz got kicked out of the dinner because SgtMaj was so pissed. I had to stay 3 more hours. Who really won? Diaz. Semper Fi.
— Chaps (@UncleChaps) May 27, 2016
All that to say, remember without deep mourning at times. These men and women were often fun, silly, and irreverent. Party this weekend.
— Chaps (@UncleChaps) May 27, 2016
They sure as shit would be, even if it was with frozen virgin pina coladas with ribeyes with their bosses.
— Chaps (@UncleChaps) May 27, 2016
This is Chris Diaz. Battle-hardened warrior who sucked at madden and golf. Expert shot and terrible cook. pic.twitter.com/vJbw8pltv8
— Chaps (@UncleChaps) May 27, 2016
So, yes, we need to remember the sacrifices that our servicemen and women made. But it doesn’t mean we need to wear all black and pray all day. So when you’re shotgunning beers this weekend, remember why you’re doing it, and then do another one for all the people who aren’t there to join you.
[h/t TFM]