Patch Holders Letter 010923

Crest or Costume?

Gentlemen,

I submit this question to you as Patch Holders, are your ring and patch your crest or your costume?  Does it represent your part in an extraordinary commitment to our clan or is it a costume you wear sometimes, when you ride your motorcycle / hang out with certain hunting buddies? 

I could tell you my answer, but I’m sure there’s no doubt.  I could name more who I believe are similarly committed, but I’ll leave that for each of you to define for yourselves. 

I’m asking this question for two reasons:

1.       I’m genially curious about what answers I may receive

2.       Those answers will help further define my perspective and what the cut means to me

This is my attempt to dig deeper on my “where they are” and “who they are” from Pg 14 of The Daily Stoic book’s Clarity section.

I do not need nor am I seeking any sort of affirmation of my own opinions.  But I do believe conversations like these, confirming these types of facts, good or bad, give actual meaning to the symbols of our clan that are otherwise just meaningless posturing.

With those facts, I can better understand my “What” and “Why”.  There are some things about myself I need to improve, or even change all together.  I am sure that a number of you are further down this “clarity” road then I am.  Your insight, that clarity, will be useful and appreciated.  But there are things I question in my life, and this is a big one.

I like having a plan but “I love it when a plan comes together”.  [Col. J.H. Smith, ODA]  A solid plan helps keep me motivated and focused…I need focus!  I’ve got some things to do and some plans to make so I appreciate your participation in this discussion.

I invite you to write your answer down, to put it on paper.  I also encourage you to send each Patch Holder a copy.  We are about 10 years in.  It would be interesting to read these 10 years from now.

I look forward to our conversations. I hope to see each of you soon and until then, I wish you a peaceful and prosperous journey.  Stay safe my brothers.

Respectfully, Brent Slaughter