....are the guards at the gates. They are Marines and not rent-a-cops
that many of the military installations are now using.

Today the guard was a young, Private First Class, who gave me a very
crisp salute after returning my ID card.

I said to him, "Marine, can I shake your hand?"

He replied, "Absolutely, Sir!" And the quick handshake took place.

We both had big smiles on our faces. (Of course, he probably didn't
realize I was retired Army!) :)
--
John H

I once shook hands with a pudgy guy who:

Sailed from San Francisco to Hawaii.
Rounded Cape Horn, twice.
Transited the Panama Canal.
Has owned more than 20 boats in his lifetime.
Sailed large boats competitively.
Has been hundreds of miles from land in a powerboat
under his command.

And who set a new record for the most distance covered
and most fish caught in the Chesapeake Bay in the shortest
time!