Something About History

In a cognitive accounting of my lifetime thus

far, I see a bit of Hamilton in me, and without

a doubt a touch of Burr resides within as well.

Hamilton was on fire all the time, doing what

he could to advance his standing in the world.

Burr, on the other hand was more reserved,

patiently waiting for circumstances to affect

changes and open opportunities for him. I am

reminded of a time when I was nineteen years

old and in the Army. I was a troop clerk for the

Commander and First Sergeant of my unit, Head-

quarters Troop. I was a Specialist Fourth Class

back then, and a list of hopefuls for promotion

to E5 passed across my desk. I had enough time

in grade to be considered for advancement in

rank. And lord knows I was good at what I did,

garnering the highest marks at the Inspector’s

General Annual Reviews. When I approached

my First Sergeant and questioned him as to

why my name was not included on the list, he

told me, “First of all, Hanch, you need to get

a little speed in your ass.” Even though he

outranked me, and was big enough physically

big enough to break me in two, I, red in the

face with anger, shot my best rebuttal back

at him...”Look at all I’ve done for you!” In

telling my story to the squadron clerk the next

day, he informed me that I had been on the list

for consideration all along. Long story short,

I made a successful presentation before the

review board composed of the squadron First

Sergeants, and was selected unanimously to

receive my promotion to Specialist Fifth Class.

In that situation, my unbridled tenacity to

speak up for what I thought I deserved paid

off in spades. The Hamilton in me shined

gloriously that day. Now, don’t get me wrong,

I haven’t always displayed such nerve and

determination in my time here on Earth. I’ve

even had therapists tell me that I have the

tendency to be neglectful in asking for that

which I want or need. And I must admit,

often times in my life, I figure it’s a hell of

a lot easier and much more reliable to wait

and let opportunity to come to me. That’s

when my Aaron Burr takes charge, shoots

and mortally wounds my Alexander Hamilton

in a dual, realizing later that in all probability,

I’ve made a huge mistake. Ah history, some-

times we never learn.

Chris Hanch 11-6-18