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A Matter of Dignity In 1960, while assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, when I was just a Private First Class (PFC), I found myself in a rather unique situation that involved one of my superiors, Staff Sergeant (SSG) Johnny Reyes. I had the highest respect for him, as he was an outstanding NCO and I thought of him as friend. While I do not remember the exact nature of the incident itself, it is of little importance. However, a day or two later, when we were off-duty, I went downtown to one of our ‘Soldier’ hangouts (Joe’s Bar). Shortly after I arrived, SSG Reyes came in, sat at a table and asked that I join him for a beer, which I did. He then proceeded to explain something and said: "Slovenz, the other day you got me in a lot of trouble. But you also got yourself in trouble. However, the reason we got in trouble was because you told the truth, you didn’t lie. If you hadn’t told the truth, neither of us would have got in trouble and no one would have known the difference. Nevertheless, I am not mad at you." He went on to say: "Something I noticed about you is that you always tell the truth, even if it means you’ll get in trouble for doing so. As I said, I am not mad at you. You have a very special quality, which I admire and you posses, I hope you never change." I’ll never forget what SSG Reyes said to me that day, and if he were here, today he’d say the same, and thank me for never lowering my values. I believe in Honor, Respect and Trust in others; friends, and most of all myself. I would never lower my statue out of greed, for to do so, would only devalue a fellowship and myself. If I were to commit myself to another person, I would not alter my decision purely out of greed or for love of money, for I believe that to do so would only place me at a level much lower than that of a prostitute. Furthermore, I would never knowingly make a verbal commitment (OK; I will, or I promise) which I had no intention of keeping, that would place another in a most embarrassing situation simply because I didn’t care or wasn’t thoughtful enough to consider another’s feelings. If I made a mistake, regardless of the reason or facts, I would do, as any Gentleman should, the Honorable thing, regardless of cost. It’s simply a matter of Dignity, Ethics and Respect for my fellow man, but probably more so for my own self-respect. John Slovenz
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