Ducklings

I don’t think I’ve mentioned the ducks that live in a water reservoir near where I work (there are four reservoirs in the immediate vicinity). There are three (that’s all I’ve seen) adults that are BIG, and upon arrival here my first guess was that the chow at the chow hall is good enough to dissuade any would be duck connoisseurs (hunters and fixers both, I guess) as there is obviously no shortage of weapons or ammunition to dispatch a few ducks. Well, since then, my views on the continued existence of the ducks has changed. There have been two sets of ducklings, three ‘showed up’ about a month ago, they’re getting pretty big now, it seems like they double in size every week or so. The recent lot are still chicks, very cute, there are nine of them. They go on these daily sojourns from the ‘pond’ to areas where there are lots of grass cuttings, bugs, or whatever it is that ducks like to eat; whatever it is, it works. I think the ducks and chicks have come to be a symbol to many here of the process of life, how worthy of protection it is, what a wonderful gift it is. Practically every day I see some Marine, weapon slung, sweating under body armor in 100 degree heat, running with a camera after the ducks to get a good picture of them. I think, now, that if anyone tried to harm one of these ducks, they’d face the wrath of the camp, as well as a Summary Court Martial. Maybe a little overdramatic. Ah well, they’re OUR ducks… or at least, entrusted to our care.

Semper Fi, Jon G.