It was 1978 and my dad’s call rang out after me, “You will be kicked out and home in no time”.
Was I cut out to be a Soldier, a Leader?
Did the words of a man who never showed me love or affection make me more determined to make the grade and prove him wrong?
I would go to the telephone box and dial in the number. A man would answer.
“Hi Dad – I have something to tell you. I have been promoted”.
“Well done, but you don’t have to tell me”.
I found it very strange that my Dad would not acknowledge my achievements.
It was as though I was letting him know that he was wrong for shouting those words as I left the house on my own to make my way to the railway station to join the Army.

I would make four more calls over the next 22 years, every time I got promoted. Making my point that my Dad was wrong. A bit like a movie scene, it plays in my head.
Proud to Stand Alone.
Let’s push forward to 1997 – the year a Single Crown was stitched on to the bottom of my right arm. Warrant Officer Class 2. Title SIR. The Royal Warrant from the Queen.
To the phone box again I would walk, picking up the phone.
“Hi Dad. I would like to invite you down to my first Passing Out Parade. I will be leading 90 Recruits led by the Band of the Grenadier Guards on to the Parade Ground.
I will be at the front of the Parade, and will lead the parade on to the square where the Secretary for Defence and 500 Spectators will be sitting and watching.
I will stand proud and announce the Recruits as they get their Awards presented”.
Other than the Parachute Award Ceremony on the Drop Zone where I was Presented my British Military Parachute Wings, this would be a proud moment that my Dad could be be part of.
“Will you come Dad?”
“No Son. We have just got a Puppy. Sorry”.
Your Loss Father.

When my time comes, I will look back and say “I Never Let My Children Down”.
Ron you should be very proud of your achievements and your the bigger man and even though i didn’t know you in those difficult times i am very proud of you.
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