"Tropic Lightning"

Stolen Valor

I admit to being guilty of "stolen valor" when I wear my Army shirt I bought at a thrift shop for $4. It's got pockets and pen holders everywhere I need them — and always garners attention.

The lightning symbol on the upper-arm patch eluded me. Everybody had an opinion. Some numbered division somewhere; maybe it meant signal corps?

Yesterday a well-built guy asked me if I was with "Tropic Lightning". Admitting to never having served in the military, I told him of the riddle of the patch.

"That's for 25st infantry division, Hawaii. Their motto is 'Tropic Lightning'".

I thanked him for his service. "Twenty seven years!" he responded.