The Mississippi , A Kidd & Some Paper Clips ??

Gallows humor in tough times has saved many. I hear it is very hard out there, with every tug busy, and pilots like yourself in constant demand. The stress level must be incredible. What is already a difficult job becomes even more critical as the knowledge that every step you take has the potential to have an impact on the nation's economy. It is true every day, but it must be frustrating as you weigh all the factors in the decision-making process that you have no control over--yet must deal with. All you can do is shake you head, and soldier on. As always, thanks for the up-to-date pictures.

Thanks So Much !

Greetings From New Orleans & Ground Zero !
As always , thanks so much for your positive and insightfull coments ! Its also a pleasure to see your perspective on all these current river issues concerning this record Spring Flood , and especially from some one that has actually worked out there and has had to deal first hand with these same river isuues , in some form or fashion !
Years ago , my Dad was a B-17 bomber Pilot and flew countless missions over Europe and witnessed the destruction of much of Europe but also of his own comrads that failed to return to base as he fortunately did ! As I grew up he would occassionally tell me such stories of his flights over Europe and with out fail , he and his crew would some how find some degree of humor during these flights and I assuem to some how help them take the edge off of what they were about to partake in !
Well , guess what , when I am out on a job and regardless of the circumstances and situations that arise , I and oher Pilots ALSO find a way to find a little humor in these adverse and dangerous situations ! No , I am not droping bombs on the enemy nor am I being shot at by enemy flak , but I am making spontaneous and life and death decisions that could very well effect many that are also out there in this dangerous marine environment !
If some should so choose to think that I am making light of this current river situation , well yes I am guilty of that ! However , I am NOT trying to add insult to injury or to rub salt in the wound of any one but I am tring to take the edge off and to some how raise the spirits of those of us that ARE ACTUALLY OUT THERE AND ARE ACTUALLY DEALING WITH THIS SITUATION THE BEST WE CAN ! Its one thing to comment about these current river issues and its quite another thing to have to deal first hand with these same current river situations !
Smooth Sailing !
Ted Davisson
NOBRA 70

Mary Sward Charlton;25986 wrote: Gallows humor in tough times has saved many. I hear it is very hard out there, with every tug busy, and pilots like yourself in constant demand. The stress level must be incredible. What is already a difficult job becomes even more critical as the knowledge that every step you take has the potential to have an impact on the nation's economy. It is true every day, but it must be frustrating as you weigh all the factors in the decision-making process that you have no control over--yet must deal with. All you can do is shake you head, and soldier on. As always, thanks for the up-to-date pictures.