Last night, we returned from a two-day trip to Yellowstone National Park. We had a great time and got to see an abundance of animals – moose, buffalo, elk, grizzly with two cubs, deer, black bear, mountain goats, wolves, coyotes, river otter, many little rodents, eagles, and other birds. We also saw a herd of fly fishermen here and there, but they were more stationary.

One of rarest of creatures at Yellowstone – unknown to most tourists – is the elusive milblogger. Yet, on a cool July afternoon at the foot of the famous Old Faithful Geyser, two such creatures were spotted together.

That is SGT Danger and me. As some of you may know, SGT Danger recently returned from a tour in Afghanistan and chronicled his time there on his acclaimed milblog, SGT Danger. He will be embarking on another project as he begins his transition from Soldier to Civilian (a huge promotion, in my book!) called “The Return Warrior”. Pay attention to his blog for more information on that. From what we talked about as Old Faithful let off some steam, he will be talking about the much confusing transition into the VA system.

We met in the most awkward of places, but I was able to snap a quick photo to commemorate and memorialize the engagement.

That is stall I had just finished urinating into (without a cup and observer, I might add) when I began washing my hands. A short, squat, but amazingly debonair young man asked politely what my name was. I pulled out my Sharpie and asked if he had a sheet of paper or just wanted me to sign his chest. After all, when you’re married to the hottest woman on the planet, everyone wants your autograph – especially when you’re as ugly and gangly as I am.

“CJ,” I responded.

“That’s what I thought,” the autograph seeker retorted. “I’m SGT Danger. Can you hold on? I gotta pee.”

And thus began our blossoming relationship. Ahhhh, SGT Danger. Of course! How could I not recognize one of the few good-standing members of the Short Mormon Milblogger Mafia?! I must say, he was shorter than I imagined as we had never met in person and only communicated through email while he was in Afghanistan.

After a short men’s room conversation, we ventured outside and I was introduced to his beautiful family. He has some of the cutest girls with the brightest eyes. With only a few minutes to go before Old Faithful blew its load, we headed back to where I had left my family and we were all introduced. We exchanged the standard handshakes, winks, nods, and garment checks. When we were all convinced the other was worthy we introduced the families.

It’s amazing how you can meet people in the oddest of places. It’s even more amazing that Drew recognized me having never met me. It’s the curse of infamy. When you’re picture is plastered in every orderly room across the Army as someone to avoid at all costs lest you become educated, I guess it comes with the territory.

*Note: For those that aren’t regular readers, a ton of snarkiness must be understood when reading this post.