One time I got put on CQ but had a dope NCO that released me during my SPC days. I went off base to get a few groceries and make my return. It's new years weekend and the gate guards are checking on people LEAVING the gate, as well as coming in (obviously). I get back to my barracks and there's dudes shotgunning beers in the parking lot. They ask me about the situation at the gate and are like, "Thanks, we were gonna get in and go if you didn't tell us!" They offer me money to drive 'em to some club, and I accept, while still in my OCPs. I drop 'em off and tell 'em to call me when they're done.

A few hours later they ring me up and they have a new SFC EOD friend. After getting them from the bar, they say they want Waffle House and offer to get me a plate while they go in. It's not an issue, of course. Hash browns. I decide to wait in the car, as does my new SFC friend.

This dude proceeds to drunkenly discuss his trauma with me. Which is fine. But my slick sleeve ass with, like, 1 year in the Army was ill equipped to discuss how his friend turned to mist in front of him and how he's having trouble coping. "How do you make sense of that?" he'd ask. "I'm so sorry that happened to you." I tried, I genuinely felt bad, but what could I say?

I felt bad but there was no way my slick sleeve ass could answer that...I tried as best as I could. Had no way to relate. Wherever you are, EOD king, I hope you're doin' alright. You looked nice and toasty when we dropped you off at your place. Hoped you kept that vibe, SFC :/