Hooah!

Diversity with unity

So I have a break between SRP and tonight’s chapel service. I really hope some soldiers come out to service. There were a few Bible studies earlier this week before I got here and I heard not one soldier showed up. I guess that’s what happens when the religious meetings are “optional” I can’t say I blame the soldiers though. Some of them have PT (physical training) and others are jumping through all the hoops to get processed for deployment. The days are long.

Switching subjects to the word, “Hooah.”

This word has so many different meanings and applications. It reminds me of that old Bud Light commercial where they show you just how many applications there are for the word, “dude.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyMSSe7cOvA

I think around soldiers, the most common use is a way to communicate, “Positive,” “Affirmative,” “Yes,” etc.

Example:
Wu: Did you hear about tonight’s chapel service at 1830?
Soldier: Hooah.
Wu: Will I see you there?
Soldier: . . .

Another common way it is used is like the word, “Amen,” in an African American church. Sometimes a higher ranking sergeant will almost sound like he’s giving a sermon when talking about the military and you’ll hear the “Hooahs” from the soldiers if they’re feeling the passion. Sometimes, the sergeant will solicit the response as a pastor would solicit the Amen.

Example:
 Jesus died for you. He shed His blood for you. You don’t deserve it, but He died anyway. That’s how much our sweet Lord loves us. Amen?
Congregation: Amen!

Let’s see…it can be used to mean, “Great!” “Cool!” “Awesome!”

Example:
COL Sanders: Men, you’ve had a long day. I’m giving you the rest of the day off to relax.
Soldiers: HOOAH!!!!!!

Well, I’m sure there’s a ton more applications, but at least now when you are watching movies or TV, you’ll understand the context of the word. My civilian friends will probably not hear me use it in our conversation because you are not a part of the brotherhood of soldiers. Here are some sample conversations that could take place.

Leslie Beltran: Am I the best Filipino golfer you know?
Alex: Yes.

Cindy Park: I was on the treadmill and I stepped off to rest for a few seconds. But then I misjudged how fast I had to move my feet when I stepped back on and ended up hanging on to the top bar and ultimately let go of the machine and ended up face down on the ground behind the treadmill. Amen?
Alex: Amen.

Tom Hsieh: Alex, I am going to the MEGA fishing trip next month.
Alex: Cool.

(-_-)

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