That's 'Our General'

During his haircut today, Rob, "Danger in your backyard" was telling me that a few years ago he was doing a tour in Bosnia.  While there, they were visited by Canadian General Rick Hillier, where he actually got to know him personally.

Three weeks later back in Fort Hood, Texas, the American Military were holding a nation wide weekend convention, with many high ranking officials in attendance.  With the Canadian General as one of their special guest.  (In 1998 General Hillier was appointed as the first Canadian Deputy Commanding General of III Corps, US Army in Fort Hood, Texas.)

That same week, Rob just happened to be in the Fort Hood area on some Military business and had heard that the Americans were setting up for their annual Military Convention that very weekend, and thought he should go check it out on Saturday night.

Arriving a little early, and speaking briefly to a couple of officials, he made his way towards a seat in the back row.

"So, you're Canadian," said one officer.  "Do you happen to know General Rick Hillier?"

"I've met him on a couple of occasions." Rob replied.

The officers seemed to be VERY impressed.

Later that evening, the M.C. was addressing General Hillier up front and said there was a fellow Canadian setting in the back row, who said, 'he knew you.'

"Have him stand up!"  said the General.

Rob, a little embarrassed by now, stood to his feet.

When he saw him, the General stood at the mic, waving and said,  "Hey Rob, how's it goin'?"

The Americans were flabbergasted!

Before the evening ended, Rob and General Hillier met and he asked Rob if he golfed.  Rob said, "I can manage to hit the odd ball." 

"Good enough," said Hillier.  "What are you doing tomorrow at 2pm?"

"Nothing that can't wait." said Rob.

Hillier said, "Okay than, I'll meet you at the club at two.  You have a cart... ready to go."

Rob than told me that he wasn't late for their tee time, but when he did arrive, the General was already there, sitting on the cart waiting for him.

He said, we smoked a couple cigars, chatted, and had a nice 'round of golf together.

That's our General!  Canada's most popular, and most controversial, military leader since the Second World War!

Rob knew him.  And I knew Rob.  ( My claim to fame? Maybe not.)


Note:  A book, that I believe every Canadian should read is, "A Soldier First" by General Rick Hillier.