Posted by Douglas Brown on July 22, 2011:

"the only thing you have to fear is Feir himself?" ...and boy, did I! When I was a Firstie, I was the First Sergeant for 8th New Cadet Company. As part of my duties, I had to take the "sick, lame, and lazy" over to the gym for physical rehab while the rest of the Company did their morning PT. The First Sergeant in 7th Company and I worked out a deal where I would march his Company's and my Plebes over and he would bring them back. At first this was one or two New Cadets but, as Beast wore on, the ranks grew. It became a mob of slings, casts, and crutches all moving at a random "Route Step." One day, I noticed a couple of the "crutches" moving in sync so I decided to have a little fun with the Plebes. I made all of the "crutches" line up in a column and then I had one of the other Plebes call out a cadence of "stroke, stroke, stroke..." - as fine as any coxwain on the Thames. We continued this practice and, as the ranks grew, my boat of eight became a a full-fledged, Galley. My coxwain was a short Plebe with a leg cast and a deep booming voice. As we went through the sally port his voice echoed louder and louder. So, feeling all full of myself as we emerged from the sally port, my euphoric mood quickly burst. I spotted BG Feir approaching us at the far side of the area and, knowing he took no nonsense, I was surely busted! I had accrued enough demerits that month to be approaching the point of losing my priviledges so this was certainly going to put me over the edge. Since he had already heard us meant I certainly couldn't hide it so I thought I might as well go down with my guns blazing. My motley crew continued rowing our way towards the gym and, as we passed him, I saluted him. He returned my salute with a straight, poker face and continued on. I did notice however, as he lowered his arm, he had a twinkle in his eye and a softened, look of amusement about his features. I was saved! Rest in Peace, General.

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