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Part 2
Too often people get wrapped up in the popular "Rambo" narrative and forget that the Special Forces were created not to destroy things but to sneak behind enemy lines and turn regular joes — the Bob Snyders of many other lands and cultures — into a functioning army.
That's no small feat when you factor in new languages and unfamiliar customs. But it happens every day in Afghanistan, Iraq and around the world. That learning curve starts the first day when Pineland Bob picks them up and introduces them to Pineland.
Pinelanders don't sit around on porches and wax philosophic about what it all means. Strip away its details and Robin Sage is simply military support — citizens doing things to make sure that if war comes, the United States has the advantage.
Back at Needham's farm, Snyder — Pineland Bob — waits by his truck. Tomorrow, he will pick the team up one more time before they leave Pineland for Fort Bragg and graduation. Two weeks after that, Snyder will greet a new team. And the Pineland simulation will reboot.
Every day, Real Bob carries a Pineland Liberation flag in the back of his truck — yellow, red and gray stripes with a black paw and "1870" printed underneath.
When he dies, he will receive a full military funeral with an American flag draped over his coffin — something he has earned by serving his country. But inside, carefully arranged over his body, another totem of service will be visible. There, the Pineland flag will prevail.
So says Pineland Bob — or Bob Snyder. It depends on the wallet.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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