Commentary – ‘Twas the night

  • Published
  • By Nicole Williams
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  'Twas the night before Christmas, And all through the base

The parties were hopping, LET'S PUMP UP THAT BASS!

The lines at the shoppette were backing up fast

Some think they need alcohol to make those parties a blast!

Young parents at home, trying to build those Christmas toys

"This so isn't fair, I could be out partying with my boys!"

With the kids all snuggled tight in their bed

He yells at his wife, "I'm going out for a beer instead!"

Dancing and drinking, it's out Gate 2 you'll go

For here on Okinawa, you'll find there's no snow.

Beer and babes, brawn and booze

So many options, how do we choose?

After pounding some beers with all of his buds

The young father feels like the manliest of studs.

Stumbling home to his young wife and kids

All he wants to see is the back of his eyelids.

When he walks in the door his young bride is there

"How nice you went drinking, talk about unfair!"

The toys aren't put together and packages not wrapped

Drunk, not thinking, and feeling quite trapped.

The young father does the most unthinkable act

Enraged and incensed he goes on the attack.

The holidays are fun for most that we meet

Except the poor SFS crew pounding 'the beat.'

Receiving the call to protect and defend

Off to the young parents' house, it's the one on the end.

The clubs are all closing, Christmas Day is now here

Time to go home, the car is parked where?

"I drank some beers, but only a few"

"I won't get busted, the gate guard looks new"

Oh what a surprise for our car full of partiers

The random checkpoint with its high-ranking officers.

Drinking and driving is a criminal offense

Not just for the driver but all of his friends.

Off to D cell, the car full will go

To spend Christmas Day with our young father, Joe.

Merry Christmas to all, we wish you all well

Except for those sitting in Kadena's D cell!

Editor's note: This holiday season there will be plenty of celebrations and parties, but before you go out remember to make responsible decisions because they can affect more than just you. Your decisions can affect your family, friends, unit, command, service, and your country.

If you're not up for walking, below are a few numbers to call for a ride:

A.A.D.D. - 634-AADD / 098-961-AADD (2233)
Taxi / Daiko - 645-8888 / 098-970-8888
Family Advocacy - 634-0433 / 098-961-0433