Shifty Powers Easy Co. 2/506th PIR

[Boz330]

Got this in an e-mail today. RIP you have earned it.



We're hearing a lot today about big splashy memorial services.



I want a nationwide memorial service for Darrell "Shifty" Powers.



Shifty volunteered for the airborne in WWII and served with Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the 101st Airborne Infantry. If you've seen Band of Brothers on HBO or the History Channel, you know Shifty. His character appears in all 10 episodes, and Shifty himself is interviewed in several of them.



I met Shifty in the Philadelphia airport several years ago. I didn't know who he was at the time. I just saw an elderly gentleman having trouble reading his ticket. I offered to help, assured him that he was at the right gate, and noticed the "Screaming Eagle", the symbol of the 101st Airborne, on his hat.



Making conversation, I asked him if he'd been in the 101st Airborne or if his son was serving. He said quietly that he had been in the 101st. I thanked him for his service, then asked him when he served, and how many jumps he made.



Quietly and humbly, he said "Well, I guess I signed up in 1941 or so, and was in until sometime in 1945 .. . . " at which point my heart skipped.



At that point, again, very humbly, he said "I made the 5 training jumps at Toccoa, and then jumped into Normandy . . . . do you know where Normandy is?" At this point my heart stopped.



I told him yes, I know exactly where Normandy was, and I know what D-Day was. At that point he said "I also made a second jump into Holland , into Arnhem ." I was standing with a genuine war hero . . . . and then I realized that it was June, just after the anniversary of D-Day..



I asked Shifty if he was on his way back from France , and he said "Yes. And it's real sad because these days so few of the guys are left, and those that are, lots of them can't make the trip." My heart was in my throat and I didn't know what to say.



I helped Shifty get onto the plane and then realized he was back in Coach, while I was in First Class. I sent the flight attendant back to get him and said that I wanted to switch seats. When Shifty came forward, I got up out of the seat and told him I wanted him to have it, that I'd take his in coach.



He said "No, son, you enjoy that seat. Just knowing that there are still some who remember what we did and still care is enough to make an old man very happy." His eyes were filling up as he said it. And mine are brimming up now as I write this.



Shifty died on June 17 after fighting cancer.



There was no parade.



No big event in Staples Center .



No wall to wall back to back 24x7 news coverage.



No weeping fans on television.



And that's not right.



Let's give Shifty his own Memorial Service, online, in our own quiet way. Please forward this email to everyone you know. Especially to the veterans.



Rest in peace, Shifty.



"A nation without heroes is nothing."

Roberto Clemente

[scrapcan]

thank you Boz. As you said our real heros don't get what they deserve.

[oldhickory]

thank you Boz. As you said our real heros don't get what they deserve.

The real heros don't want all the glitter, coverage and b-s. They're real flesh and blood, not plastic and sillicone hollywood flash and pomp. I haven't met one yet that would make a big deal of what he's done, and would accept no more than a warm handshake and a sincere, "Thank you." ...And I've met some of the toughest real life guys, (and gals) on earth. They don't look like anything special when you see them, and chances are they walk among you, but you can't pick them out right away, you have to get to know them. You never know who they are, so you need to show respect and kindness to all...Just in case.

Such was Shifty.

[Boz330]

I don't think that is what Manleyjt meant, just that they should be recognized for their sacrifices. I grew up in the 50s and my dad and 3 of my uncles served in the South Pacific and Europe. Just about every kid that I knew had a dad that served in some branch of service during the War. It was just the way it was. I remember my uncles and dad talking about the war but not ever the blood and guts stories. It was usually the funny stuff which was probably too few and far between so it was memorable. I guess what I mean is that war vets then were the norm. They didn't think anything about it and neither did us kids. Back then my dad was my hero and still is. He died back in 70.

Bob

[scrapcan]

boz is right. I know who these men and women are. I walk among them everyday. I also get to talk to many. I also can tell you that many will tell you they were just doing the job that was asked of them. I hope that I could do the same if called upon.

I thank all military members and law enforcement for the job they do for me when I get the chance. To me those who serve on behalf are heros.

It is interesting that I had written everything that OLDHickory wrote, I chose to delete it and just say thanks and to remind everyone that we don't give the respect that is deserved.

Due to my comments generating unrest at times here on the board, I have opted for fewer words, fewer posts, and just hope for the best.

[Shiloh]

Outstanding Post. A heartfelt thank you.

Shiloh

[PatMarlin]

They lived an awesome life, left us with an awesome country to squander, and not a bad time to check out either. To Easy Company ..:drinks: