just say no...

i helped a friend with a photo shoot this weekend for the dedication of the new digital organ at church. it was sort of a big deal, as the organ was donated by a former US Surgeon General, Dr. C. Everett Koop, who was an elder at the church. A renowned organ player, Paul Jacobs, was invited to play the concert, which included a rare piece by Samuel Barber.

it was an interesting experience, especially since Dr. Koop was such an influential Surgeon General. i mean, i can't tell you who the Surgeon General is now, or before/after him, but i distinctly remember him....this is saying a lot since while he was serving in the '80's, i was just a youngster and didn't care about what all was happening in the world except what color jelly shoes i wanted. yet, i remembered what he did with tobacco warnings, saying no to drugs, etc. at 92, he still looks the same, and just as dignified as i recalled....and sharp! i hope if i get to his age, my cognitive faculties will still be intact.

the highlight of the shoot was meeting Dr. Koop, and receiving a "challenge coin" from him. i learned what the coin is for (and especially like the last bit):

During World War I, American volunteers from all parts of the country joined newly formed flying squadrons in France. It is said, that a wealthy lieutenant ordered solid bronze medallions struck. These medallions carried the squadron emblem, similar to the coin on the right, and were given out to all squadron members. On a flight shortly thereafter, the lieutenant's plane was downed behind German lines and he was immediately captured by a enemy patrol. The Germans wishing to discourage escape, took all of his personal identification except for the bronze medallion which he wore in a small leather pouch around his neck. He was taken to a small town near the front. Bombardment was heavy that night, he escaped his captors, but without his identification. He made his way to the front lines avoiding German patrols and with great difficulty, he crossed no-man's land. Eventually, he managed to stumble onto a French outpost. Unfortunately for him, the French in that area had been plagued by sabotage. The saboteurs often masqueraded as civilians. The French didn't recognize the lieutenant's American accent and were ready to execute him as a spy when he remembered the leather pouch containing the medallion. He showed the medallion to them and they recognized the squadron insignia on it. His medallion bought him enough time to confirm his identity. Now instead of shooting the young lieutenant, they gave him a bottle of wine.
When he was returned to his squadron and his companions heard his story, it became a tradition to ensure that all members carried their medallion at all times. To ensure that each member carried their coins, they instituted the "challenge". A challenger would ask to see your coin. If you couldn't produce your coin, you were required to buy a drink, of their choice, but if you produced your coin, the challenging member was required to pay for both your drinks.

so this is a fair warning...get ready to buy me a drink next time you are in a bar with me....