Monday, May 23, 2011
JOPLIN REMEMBERED FONDLY
World War II had ended. I had been transferred off the ship, and was headed toward Boston where I would be processed for discharge. How best to get from San Diego? There was a sign posted saying that a car pool was being organized to go back East. I opted for that means of travel as opposed to train or bus, and I and three other sailors became the pasengers in a private automobile. This is where Joplin, Missouri, comes into the picture.
It's a long ride from San Diego, and among other places, we stopped at Joplin. I think we went to a YMCA for a shower and then to a USO Club. The USO's existed to entertain and recreate service men. We were greeted and treated royally by everyone we encountered in Joplin. So positive was our brief stay, Joplin has always had a place in my heart. I had not previouly encountered that famous midwestern friendliness.
Maybe that's why today's news of the devastation of that city by a tornado meant a lot to me.
It's a long ride from San Diego, and among other places, we stopped at Joplin. I think we went to a YMCA for a shower and then to a USO Club. The USO's existed to entertain and recreate service men. We were greeted and treated royally by everyone we encountered in Joplin. So positive was our brief stay, Joplin has always had a place in my heart. I had not previouly encountered that famous midwestern friendliness.
Maybe that's why today's news of the devastation of that city by a tornado meant a lot to me.
# posted by Noonski @ 4:28 PM 
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Dad, you should send your comments to the local newspaper in the Joplin area. Midwesterners are so very proud of their hospitality.
The town could use a little cheering up right now. Sunday night I was watching the weather channel and one of their guys was chasing the tornado which was wrapped in rain so they really did not realize how damaging this tornado could be until it had passed. They were among the first on the scene-this was the first time I had ever seen a weather man cry!!
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The town could use a little cheering up right now. Sunday night I was watching the weather channel and one of their guys was chasing the tornado which was wrapped in rain so they really did not realize how damaging this tornado could be until it had passed. They were among the first on the scene-this was the first time I had ever seen a weather man cry!!
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