lessonslearned Tough Love
A World War II infantry offi cer’s son refl ects on the virtues bestowed unto him through one harrowing swimming experience under his father’s command.
A
As an undersized 12-year-old, I pon- dered how swiftly circumstances had turned; one moment I had been lazily seat- ed on a boat dock watching other scouts frolicking nearby, the next I was grimly contemplating my chances of surviving a swim test. My father, an uncompromis- ing former infantry offi cer and current scoutmaster, had spotted me and learned I was not involved in swimming activi- ties because of nearly drowning two years prior. Thereupon the World War II com- bat-injured veteran took action. A reluctant lifeguard quickly was
drafted to watch me jump off the diving board and attempt to swim the length of the 50-yard camp pool. Although I consid- ered Dad and the lifeguard coconspirators, I fatalistically forgave them for my likely demise. Dad, after all, was viewed (rightly) by my friends as hands- down the strictest, most severe parent ever encountered, and as an Army brat, I knew a higher power’s authority, especially an execution- er’s, was not to be challenged lightly. As for the lifeguard, I recognized he merely was following a superior’s orders. While committing myself to the dicey
surfacing, I used a fractured doggy paddle to laboriously make my way down to the shallow end. There my ears registered a bellowed “Don’t touch!” Unfortunately, I did touch prematurely, which occasioned a loud “Get up and do it again!” At that point, I knew I had to reach the other end, despite feeling incredible pain and fatigue. When I fi nally rolled out of the pool, despite being fully cramped, I dimly be- came aware that had I not been forced to, I might never have experienced this dual sense of empowerment and pride. My dad said little; the rest of camp was spent uneventfully — except for the glorious 50- mile canoe trip I was able to take thanks to my successful swim. Later, I not only took basic lifesaving but also eventually became a fully certi- fi ed YMCA water safety instructor. Now I
compulsion
endeavor, I clung to the hope my magna- nimity of spirit toward them could some- how confer more buoyancy when I hit the water. I soon dismissed any lingering doubts about reaching the point of no return. After
76 MILITARY OFFICER JANUARY 2012
refl ect more maturely on what “tough love” from a retired offi cer meant to a “shavetail” son, and how it ultimately opened up a world of possibilities previously inacces- sible due to timidity or avoidance. MO
— John Vernon is the son of Col. Eugene H. Vernon, USA-Ret. He lives in Clarksville, Md. For submission information, see page 18.
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