BOQ Bar, Utapao, Thailand

Bachelor Officer Quarters Bar, Utapao, Thailand

We could find a bar on the ground floor of our BOQ.  Close to our rooms. We referred to it as the BOQ Bar. A previous squadron passing through our quarters converted the space into a place where we could bond with our buddies when sharing drinks. An age-old ritual shared by the military over the generations.  In our sharing, we discovered a fulfillment others may never find. A long way from home and separated from the world, the ones we serve with become our family. Consuming five or six drinks a day when not in a flight status was not unusual.  However, in today’s politically correct ways, they would have referred us all to alcohol abuse counseling. 

Bill Dailey, my TACCO, and I are having an informal chat after the official de-briefing with the squadron intelligence officer. This unofficial de-brief took place with drinks in our hands. The room, barely air-conditioned, had a certain respectable, dumpy atmosphere. A refrigerator, a handmade wooden bar, a shoddy couch, a water cooler, and a dartboard competed for space. Sterile concrete, pale green block walls, and a concrete floor with scattered worn-out dirty rugs added to the glamour. Drinks were self-service on the honor system. When we were not in a duty status, ridiculously low prices ensured the spirits flowed freely. We could always share a drink with someone hanging in the bar. For crews coming back after a 14-hour day of briefings, flying and debriefing, the bar welcomed those seeking to wind down after a long day or night. We could have gone to the O’Club Bar about a quarter mile away. However, changing out of our flight suits and going to the first floor in our gym shorts, a T-shirt, and shower shoes felt great. After a couple drinks, a game of darts, and shooting the shit, the camaraderie wrapped up the day. Our beds now awaited our alcohol-lubricated bodies as we rested for our next mission.  I miss those days.