THE CHOW RUNNER
by Dave Brouchoud
USS Helena CA-75, RD2, OI Division, 1952 - 1955
In the fall of 1951, I started Boot Camp at Great Lakes, Illinois. As the weather turned cold, I was assigned the extra duty as Company 831 "Chow Runner".
The chow runner would leave his company area about 20 minutes before chow time and report to the mess hall. He would stand just inside the door to watch as the last few guys entered and then run back to his company area to report it was time to fall out.
This was done so as to minimize the time guys would have to stand outside, in the cold, waiting in line to eat. The chow runner would be the last man from his company to eat. This to insure everyone made it okay to chow.
I enjoyed this little extra bit of freedom to be able to move outside by myself. No one checked on me as there was not that much to check on.
One day some of the other company chow runners approached me and wanted to know when and where did I eat my meals. With my company, at the end of the line, as I was instructed. You dummy" one of them said! With many mess halls in the area, one can choose where to eat. Although the menu was the same for all mess halls, the word went out early as to which was the best place to eat. All I had to do was leave my company area a little earlier and join my new found friends as we ate the best.
This worked well for a time as long as I managed to conduct my duties as prescribed. But then my big mouth got me into real trouble. I started to brag a little to whom I thought were my closest company friends. I told them about the great deal I had. Well now. Someone over heard or squealed on me. I was called before my Company Commander, Chief Walker, who gave me 15 demerits punishment and took away my job as Chow Runner. In front of the company I might add!!
To the non Navy types or the uninitiated, 5 demerits equals 1 hour of pushing rifle on your own time. This meant I had to report to the drill hall each night for three nights and "Push Rifle". I seem to recall we only had one break after a half hour. Push a rifle for 30 minutes without a break? I was sure my arms would fall off. What was worse-when I came back to my company area, I had to put up with harassment from my friends.
So, what is pushing a rifle? The following has been copied from my BLUEJACKETS' Manual copyright 1950, Chapter 20, page 303. Subject: Physical Drill with Arms.
Diagonal lunges. To exercise the muscles of the arms, back, and legs.
Command: 1. DIAGONAL LUNGES, 2. ONE, 3. TWO, 4. THREE, 5. FOUR.
ONE-From ready, lunge about 36 inches diagonally to the right with the right foot, at the same time pushing the piece out horizontally.
The left foot should be flat and the eyes directed to the piece.
TWO-Back to the ready, chest out, elbows back.
THREE-Lunge to the left with left foot, as in ONE above.
FOUR-- Back to ready
At the beginning of the chapter, it says: All movements in this section are in four counts and, with the exception of COME TO READY, are performed four times. It does not say with the exception of Company punishment! The movements described above take about 5 seconds to complete.
Oh yes, it was a time to remember.
Of course, I earned it!