Speed Racer

You and your like are trying to
make a war with the help of people
who just aren’t interested
--The Quiet American, Graham Greene
_______________

On Ranger's recent trip to Columbus, Georgia, he passed the intersection of Ga 29 and US 27, just outside of Cusseta and west of Buena Vista. This intersection always reminds him of SFC Don Tabor, who was a national level rifle shooter.

If memory serves, Don was also a sniper in Vietnam. Tabor was a piece of work, and was best friends with SFC Albert Mundon, high scorer of the Army team which won the 1969 National High power Rifle Team Championship. These guys were so tight they actually traded wives, remaining best of friends after the fall out episode. (Of course, they divorced and remarried again. They were Army Strong before it was faddish.)

Anyway, tabor drove a big hot rod Grand Prix Pontiac, and nobody would ride with him on our frequent TDY rifle matches across the country. Ranger was once foolish enough to team up with him and we had loads of fun, some of which is PG-13.

Eventually, Tabor retired to Buena Vista and drove a "chicken" 18-wheeler delivering broilers to the slaughterhouse. This was the fulfillment of his dream -- his rig was bought and paid for, and new house followed. Finally, the big day of celebration arrived.

We all got drunk and sent Tabor home in that souped up, 400 horsepower Grand Prix. God we were stupid, as Tabor proceeded to roll it at the 29/27 intersection, decapitating himself in the process.

It's not quite Isadora Duncan, but Don Tabor is just as dead.

Offered as a cautionary PSA to any rising James Deans out there.