HAPL Officer's Forum - Ruth Davis 

By now everyone is aware that the HAPL Officers and Directors are sharing participation and leadership thoughts exemplifying Integrity, Influence and Impact.  The following may not quite be the open expression of ideas anticipated from an officer’s forum.  But I thought I would share a true story about a gentleman I met outside the town of Kaiserslautern, Germany a couple of years ago.  His display of all of those characteristics was hard to miss.  His name was Gregg Mace and he was the son of a Landman.

I was visiting my sister who serves in the army and we were both enjoying some time off experiencing the beauty and splendor of Germany.  All went well for many days traveling the countryside until the last day before my flight back to the States when her car decided to break down as we made our way back to the base.  Not on one of the scenic back roads, but rather on the much heralded Autobahn.  We were greatly appreciative that her car stopped close to one of the roadside emergency phones and felt confident that our call would bring a tow truck to the rescue.  We made several trips to the phone that day with each call renewing our waning confidence.  We were excited when one truck approached but our enthusiasm was short-lived when we realized he already had a car in tow.  And unlike Houston where the tow trucks come in mass, that was the only one we saw the entire day on the Autobahn.

Apparently the license plate identified my sister as being from one of the military bases, so I suspect every serviceman who traveled the Autobahn that day stopped to offer assistance.  We thanked each of them but decided to hold out for the tow that we anticipated would arrive at any moment.  As the minutes grew to hours and the sun started to fade, nervousness set in.  The final offer of assistance was from a young man who basically would not take no for an answer.  He made us realize that being on the Autobahn at night would be one of those life experiences no one should try.  His description of pitch black darkness interrupted only by glaring headlights and cars passing by at speeds well over 100 mph was certainly impressive.  And by now we were hungry, thirsty, tired and a little bit scared.  With a rope tied between the cars we set out for the next available exit.  In and of itself, that was quite the experience since our speed certainly did not match the cars approaching from the rear.  He helped us obtain a legitimate tow and waited with us until they arrived.  He then left us with his Autobahn insurance card—a gesture that saved us hundreds of dollars in towing fees.

I shared my business card with him so that he could write his name and address for a return of the insurance card he had loaned us.  Of course my card identified my occupation and to my total amazement and surprise he started naming off several industry people he knew from New Orleans.  Seems his dad had been a Landman with a major company his entire career.  Life circumstances had just introduced me to a Landman’s son half way around the globe.  It never ceases to amaze me what a truly small world this is! 

My sister dutifully returned the insurance card, but I continue to carry the business card with address knowing that a thank you note is in order.  Busy with my work on my return it remains on my long list of things to accomplish.  It is obvious from the address that he was stationed at one of the military bases—whether as an enlisted man or civilian I’m not sure.  So Mr. Mace, please consider this your long overdue thank you.  Your timely assistance that day on the Autobahn was greatly appreciated.

And as we head in to the New Year 2007, I extend my thanks to all those who serve our nation, especially those serving overseas away from their families which includes my sister Katie.  I wish all of you well and pray for your speedy return home.  Your sacrifice truly Influences our wellbeing and greatly Impacts our daily lives.  May you fulfill your commitment to serve with Integrity, Honor and Pride.