I flew to Harlingen, TX last night to attend a class reunion at the Marine Military Academy, where I was a student for five years (grades 8 through 12). A friend from 20 years ago met me at the airport. We went out for a few drinks and proceeded to stay up all night long reminiscing and catching up. We were at the school at 6:00 AM to have breakfast with the cadets and staff. After breakfast we walked around the campus marveling at how things have changed over the years. I’ve been back to the school about a dozen times since I graduated in 1980, but my friend Jim Allison hadn’t been there for 20 years. A lot of things have changed. The food’s the same as it was 20 years ago, though. Friday is still Mexican food, and they’re still using Marvin Bell’s old enchilada recipe.
Unlike most schools that have reunions for a specific class, MMA invites everybody every year. As a result, there were former cadets from just about every class since the first (1966). We all share a unique experience (attending a small military school) that has left a visible mark on our personalities. I’m still pondering the nature of that particular beast. I’m also left wondering if the mark is only on those of us who choose to come back to the school and visit.
At any rate the trip was great fun, although brief in my case. I had to leave at 3:00 on Friday afternoon. A prior commitment prevented me from staying the weekend and participating in all of the festivities.