Change In The Air

This janitor’s entire life was confined to his military family. Whereas Crawford used to spend his whole day doing menial works the cadets, on the other hand, had to prepare for their approaching athletic events and exams. Another reason that kept him from mixing up with the cadets was his introvert nature. In fact, he used to speak very rarely with anyone only responding to cadet’s addresses. This mysterious individual used to keep himself engaged with his daily chorus of sweeping, cleaning toilets and emptying dustbins. Who knew that this unnoticeable janitor was going to change the lives of those students who did not even know about his existence. That shocking revelation was going to be made very soon.

A Dramatic Discovery

It was Saturday afternoon and the janitor was doing his everyday work of tidying up the infrastructure and cadets were busy preparing for their exams. Moschgat, one of the cadets was leafing through a book on World War II and Allied ground campaign in Italy when his eyes registered a surprising detail that made him utter  “Holy cow!. He could not believe what he saw. He later wrote “The words on the page leapt out at me,” The hosteller who was going to become an F-16 pilot had unintentionally discovered a clue of long-held mystery about the janitor.

The Connection

While further turning the pages, Moschgat captured the name  “Private William Crawford” scribbled in big bold letters. He felt like he has heard this name somewhere before and then in a matter of minute the face of janitor flashed in front of his eyes. He began to wonder if the janitor William Crawford had any kind of connection with valorous “Private William Crawford.” It was a matter of days, soon the whole of the class was going to be acquainted with the startling connection the “old grandpa” had with the trooper.

A Tale Of Bravery

The name emerged in a story that Moschgat was reading while preparing for his approaching exams. It was about a battle that transpired about 30 years ago. The story depicted the life-risking US Army’s 36 Infantry Division’s confrontation with enemy forces near Altavilla. The piece of writing had also described the incredible bravery of a man called Private Crawford. The lines in the article read “in the face of intense and overwhelming hostile fire…with no regard for personal safety… on his own initiative, Private Crawford single-handedly attacked fortified enemy positions.”      

Taking The Lead

Immensely intrigued by the details mentioned in the book, Moschgat resolved to find out if their Air Force Academy’s custodial had any kind of connection with the heroic Private Crawford. He decided to ask janitor if he was the same man. In no time Moschgat and his roommate were chasing Crawford with the very book in hand. They asked him if he is the same Crawford but janitor seemed disinterested in the conversation. For some unknown reason, he kept putting off the question. But the cadets were too determined to give up and they kept on insisting. They handed him the book they had seen his name on. After having the book in hand the expressions of janitor changed dramatically!

The Reluctant Truth

The moment cadets handed book to him, silence fell upon him. He kept staring at the book for few moments and then uttered something that astonished both the cadets. The janitor exclaimed, “Yep, that’s me.” Once again his reply kindled the flame of curiosity in them. It is not usual that a person having so big achievements in past would keep his accomplishments to himself only. Naturally, the next question that followed was how come he never talked about it to anyone? In reply, Crawford said  “That was a long time ago and one day in my life,” Moschgat finally had his curiosity satiated, but what he did not know was it was not the end but the beginning of Crawford’s astounding story.