This week, Shelley and I drove to Chicago, where I’m delivering a lecture on the First Gulf War. Over 35 years have passed since we fought that war, so I was invited to make a presentation at the First Division Museum at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, Illinois. Here are some thoughts I had along the way.
A Date with History: Desert Redleg: Artillery Warfare in the First Gulf War
This will be the second time I’ve lectured on this topic at Cantigny. The First Division Museum sponsors this historical series, and it’s a wonderful service to those who can attend. This particular lecture will be an in-person presentation, and I will be autographing books for people who attend the event. I will also be discussing how the First Gulf War differed from those we will fight in the future. There are many lessons from both the Ukrainian and Iranian wars. These lessons and the amazing technologies that have advanced in recent years will combine to shape a very different reality for future conflicts. In that regard, the Army will always go forward best by going back first. That is why I do these lectures here and in other places. We cannot afford to disregard what we have learned in past conflicts as we prepare and modernize our forces to engage in those that will surely come.
The Beauty of our Nation
Despite the political conflict and silliness that make our society coarser and more unattractive, we live in a beautiful land. Our trip westward, helped by dry sunny weather, was one that revealed remarkable sites. Escaping the concrete terrain of the Northern Virginia beltway, crossing the western reaches of Maryland into Pennsylvania was a relief. The panorama of hills and mountains is glorious, and despite the mortifying gymnastics of dodging numerous tractor-trailers, we enjoyed taking in the sights. As we traveled through Ohio toward Toledo, the hills and farms reminded us that we are a nation of hard workers. Farmers, blue-collar workers, and all those who work diligently in flyover country are hardly recognized by gasbag politicians who pass the time attacking one another over issues that are not remotely of concern to taxpayers. But as you drive, you appreciate people. The homes they occupy, the businesses they work in, and the schools they attend. It’s hard not to admire our people, the same folks who our politicians believe are incapable of seeing through the nonsense in Washington and state capitols. They deserve better. We should give it to them.
A Small Town
We spent the first evening on our journey in an idyllic small Midwest town, Perrysburg, in Wood County, Ohio. With a population of over 25,000, it’s as Midwest, I suppose, as Midwest could be. We drove through the town after having a pleasant dinner and were delighted by the beautiful homes that border the south side of the Maumee River, about 12 miles southwest of Toledo. Lawns manicured, people walking their dogs, pushing babies in strollers, kids riding bikes along the sidewalk, churches on every corner, and well-maintained homes distinctly different from one another. Absent was the hectic Beltway traffic and stretches of monotonous track housing. Perrysburg has character. And it was easy to imagine living happily there, away from the busyness of Northern Virginia. Of course, there is our Tidewater haven to think of in the Northern Neck. We are already missing that. But it was pleasant to see the peacefulness of a place they call Perrysburg.
Gas
Well, it’s expensive. But not uniformly. In Blue states like Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Illinois, gas is well over $4.00. That is almost exclusively due to taxes. In Ohio and Indiana, it was 40-50 cents cheaper. So, the art form is timing refueling when you cross the right state line. We fueled up in Indiana to make sure we did not leave our cash in Illinois. You can’t always avoid the high costs. You have to refuel when needed, and that may mean paying more. But you can lessen the cost with some strategic buying. And like many of you, we long for the day when the conflict in the Middle East will end, and gas prices will come down. But it’s a price I am willing to pay if we wind up with a world that does not have a nuclear Iran.
German Cuisine
Last night we found a German restaurant in the suburbs of Chicago. Shelley and I have fond memories of living in Germany from 1985 to 1988. So, we enjoyed reminiscing as we partook of jäger schnitzels and assorted side dishes. Yes, apple strudel too. It’s been a good trip so far, but we’re looking forward to returning to Virginia, which holds much of the same beauty we are seeing now.
A few thoughts while driving.
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