Paradise General (37 page)

I carried my blood-stained and sweat-soaked cheat sheets everywhere, but never had to use them.

My nametags didn't go over well with the bosses, but our patients loved them.

Alpha bay, where the best bedside manner was a calm and reassuring voice.

The standard attire for our infamous rooftop parties.

I check the pelvis of a wounded Iraqi soldier while Sergeant Courage works in the background.

Rick and I perform late-night surgery.

Ian Nunnally, stellar surgeon and forgiving roommate.

“Uncle Dave” on July 4th, an hour before we were swamped with wounded soldiers.

My birthday cake, seconds before it slid off my head onto the floor. We ate it anyway. (
l-r: Bill Stanton, me, Rick Reutlinger, Mike Barron, Gerry Maloney
)

Wearing Mickey Mouse ear protectors, Rick and I croon off-key our favorite songs for the staff.

Bernard's farewell kiss. It made a lot of women jealous.

The best day is the day you leave for home.