There is something that’s refreshing about the fellowship that is found in the country side. I think its lost in the big picture that our country is stitched together by the ernest, and genuine way of life that makes up small town USA. See, here in Lucedale the speed limit in a school zone is reduced from 50 to 35, in the evening the traffic light where you turn can be seen 2 miles away, Wednesday nights is Church night, and everyone takes the time to stop and say hello. In fact, the first time I came to this town I found myself shopping for food at the Walmart and I hear an announcement, “The employee bible study will begin in 10 minutes.” I wasn’t done shopping and found no one around in the store! But jokes aside, this town is a cool place where I am reminded of my roots. Lucedale has a population of just over 3,000, yet the population of my hometown is slightly over 2,000; the difference being Lucedale is more remote. Lucedale is a small town on a stretch of highway between New Orleans and Mobile, and is surrounded by the De Soto National Forest. The open scenery and trees is refreshing everytime I come to this place; as I like to say “it’s a fresh breath of country!”
Lucedale was established in 1901. The main town is only 2 blocks at most but you can find a few shops and local resturants. If you want good BBQ go to Hokie’s, if you want some well made coffee go to the Lucedale Coffee House, but if youre just looking for a simple cafe be sure to stop by The Coffee Pot – despite the name no they do not serve coffee! 🤣☕. Above all joints to try, you have to stop by Rocky Creek Catfish Cottage and try their famous fried catfish fillets. Aparently people drive for hours just to come to this resturant! As you walk around town you can see the old George County Courthouse still standing, decorated with it’s original colored glass panels. You can see the modest City Hall building that gives character. As you continue down the street you can’t help but notice the two restored tanks. Approaching closer, I realized it was actually a nice memorial dedicated to all the lives lost to war from the town since WW1 to include Medal of Honor Recipient Sergeant Jake Lindsey. Sergeant Lindsey was an Army Infantryman who single handedly fought off the German front over three times after he was the only man standing in the fight.
So what is brings me to this small town? Well, every year Mariners must take an introductory weapons safety class. The point of the course is to be better equipped to handle active shooter situations or attacks on a ship in the event that they might occur. These routine courses focus on safety and weapon familiarization. I will be the first to admit that none of us are Chuck Norris warriors, but these courses help the crew understand possible risks and attempt to reduce human error. During hostile situations where adrenaline is high, a crew member with a weapon that they are unfamiliar with is more dangerous than is effective. These courses also cover de-escalation tactics to help not only see warning signs before an event occurs, but help resolve situations before they get out of hand, and most importantly, before weapons become necessary. On this particular day we practiced in the complete down pour rain. As you can tell, I was not too pleased. Our courses were held just as Tropical Storm Cristobal hit the gulf coast. It took driving over two hours in the worst rain imaginable, but here we all are! 🤪
While in class I met a friend named Paul. We decided to go to the Rocky Creek restaurant for their Catfish. He had been invited by a couple from the church in town, and I decided to tag along. Next thing you know, 12 people wound up joining us. Even the pastor came! He is actually a project manager at the nearby shipyard, and brings the town together each week for some worship. It truly something to be welcomed by this town, and to be embrassed with such open arms. Lucedale is the type of town where there was an arguement over who would cover the check of Paul and I’s catfish. While catfish is not expensive, its was about who wanted to express their hospitality. This is the type of town where once the resturant closes, everyone gets up from their tables and walks around and says hello to the others eating dinner. Whenever you find yourself in a town like this, just get in your car and drive around. You never know what you might experience.
No matter where you find yourself, fellowship with people is always a good thing.
Stay Salty!
-Emily
Modern Mariner 