| 09/07/09 0800: Like all of us my tour with the MSG's in
Brasil was a time I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Brasilia in 76 was a 15 year old city still struggling to find itself.
The lake, "lago sul" was poluted and we were all told we courted
death if we gave in to it's constant pull in those hot as hell days of
the dry season - September thru December. Our Marine House was on the South Side of the lake, a mile from our nearest watering hole Beerfaus in the strip mall 'Geberto Solemon'. I have many lost memories stolen from the fire water "Steinhagen" ...I was far too young to care about the brain & stomach cells being slaughtered to keep pace with Marine's genetically better able to handle the German brew. Like many others, I was in training for more embarrassing moments I'd suffer later in the Corps at the hands of the demon. None I'm proud of, and I'm forever grateful for the protection and guideance from God and my brothers who had a better sence of direction. Maria was our Cook / Housekeeper back then... a sweetheart of a lady. Like other posts, she was a part of the MSG experience. We took care of her and her daughter. Shy as she was, she was always in the background at the house making sure we were all taken care of. I have a sad memory of seeing her at the airport in Brasilia on my way to my next Post (Panama). Surrounded by my local, MSG and State Department friends I looked up and saw her outside looking into the airport, crying. ....To be continued |