In adulthood, Marine appreciates Columbus upbringing
My name is Patrick Dean Swartz. My mother’s name is Deborah J. Swartz and she is still a loyal resident of Columbus. I grew up in Columbus for twenty-four years having gone to, what felt like, every public school the city had to offer. I grew up enjoying some of the world’s best pulled pork, playing against the most competitive youth baseball teams (I still have nightmares about New Hope pitchers), and made some of my most long-tenured friends in Columbus.
My last message to The Dispatch was simply to say hello from where I was in the world. I suppose I’m doing the same, now. My life in the Marine Corps has taken me from the East Coast, to the West Coast, and back to the East Coast. I have been sent to Sweden, the Middle East, and then to the center of Western Europe here in Germany, where we currently live. I’m definitely not a Lieutenant anymore as I now wear the golden oak leaves of a Major and my knees hurt more everyday. However, life has given myself and my spouse Kathryn two great children, Karaline (7) and Noah (5). The kids are even bi-lingual in English and German. I’ve even got an online blog focused on family travel throughout the Alps to enjoy the snow.
There are things about Columbus that frustrated me as a teenager; however, as I’ve gotten a bit older, there are things about Columbus that have stuck with me in a positive way. While I was complaining about nothing to do while I was 15-years old, I didn’t realize that the politeness and manners I had grown up on and practiced in The Friendly City would never leave. I still find myself saying, “Sir” and “Ma’am” even when those I’m speaking to beg me to stop. I always hold the door open for others and I never miss an opportunity to say “Thank you”. I suppose my point is that, even living in Germany and being an Officer in the toughest fight club one could imagine, Columbus and Southern manners always seem to have a place.
I know each city certainly has its issues to deal with … and it’s easy, especially during our current environment, to focus so strictly on what is going wrong, everywhere. All I can say is: try your best to keep your glass half-full instead of half-empty. It’s tough, but we could all use a little more uplifting, these days. I’m just here to tell you all thank you for keeping me polite in my middle-age years. I’ve had my moments … but I’d like to think that the deep south manners I learned have played an important part in becoming who I am, today.
Bis nachstes mal and Semper Fidelis!
Patrick Swartz
Stuttgart, Germany
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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