“Great job! Here is a $200.00 tip! Happy New Year!”

Another hour in the year and the calendar turns.  Everybody sings “Auld Lange Syne” and a few minutes or hours later go off to bed. The lyrics and mood can be somber, melancholy and bring forth memories that haunt or refresh.

When things are going they are real going.  You can’t keep the good Soldiers down, especially (or even) on New Year’s eve.  The jailers were at minimal staffing and the police were out on the roads seeking drivers who were a little tipsy (or worse).   The Soldiers were determined to make the most of it and since breaking out wasn’t a good option…they decided to bring the party to the NFH.

Sure, I was sick in bed and was asleep long before the midnight hour stuck.  But the stories the next morning were impressive and joyful.  There is still hope!

One party animal (okay, two together or more, but I promised Doc I wouldn’t say who) made all the parties.  The 172^nd had a D.J and a regular dance hall going on in one of the big tents.  Dark lights, music playing and “Baby G!” said “I was really getting my dance groove on and for a moment it was like, I am having a great time!” she smiled in an embarrassed way and turned around.  Must have been something to see!

The 186^th had the next day (New Year’s Day) off, so I am sure it sounded like this. “Sir, if you don’t mid I was just going to give my guys tomorrow off as a reset day?” One guy had a guitar, another had a bass and some drums appeared and the next thing you know they had a band.  Great singing, pizza out the wahzoo and when our partygoer left they still had the pizza delivery guys coming into the minimum security location.

Some lucky pizza delivery man learned a new dance and left with a $200.00 tip.  Not bad for a nights work.

MWR (Morale Welfare and Recreation) had a party ending at 0030 with a big screen television and some music. 

There was a non-denominational Christian service to celebrate in the New Year and Christ’s forgiveness of our sins and the blessings that he bestows upon us each day. (Can I get an “Amen!” brother?)

 “Did you have a good time?”  This is almost as good as it gets in a minimum security type facility.  No beer, no wine and really no whining.  We wouldn’t have it any other way.