On my first day as a Second Lieutenant, I headed to the Lackland Base Exchange.  I was safe.  The only service members I did not have to salute were other lieutenants.  My salutes were sharp, and crisp to everyone.  Turning the corner of the BX I heard, “Area Attention!”   My immediate response was to snap to attention, but dead silence reigned.  I glanced at the dozen Airman Basics, looking for the officer in the area with the final realization that it was I.  These words became part of my vocabulary for the next 30 years.  “As you were, carry on.”

Submitted by Richard Brooks