Hailed

While Donovan was in Iraq he moved Companies - from HHC to Bravo where the Chinooks are. So in the midst of the welcome home festivities his new company had a Hail and Farewell to honor those leaving the Company as well as the newer guys too. It was held at the VFW in Harker Heights and BBQ was catered. Donovan and his buddy Phil were informed to wear their Class B's since they are the lowest ranking officers to in the company being welcomed, which also meant they would be picked on a lot during the evening. 

After social hour and dinner the formal portion of the evening started with a "wetting down" ceremony was conducted, during which the newbies were 'accepted' into the Company where they are required to "chug-a-lug" a hatful of beer from their Stetson.

The GROG.  

It was a mixture of about 12 kinds of alcohol, each symbolizing an important moment or significance in the Air Cav or the Company's history. Some of them included Jager, Vodka, Shiner beer, two wine coolers, After Shock, and a Mud Slide which from what I saw curtled very quickly. 

I did not have to guts to even taste it - I knew from the rumors to stay away because I'd have to carry Don home.

A little history on the grog:

Honoring the 18th Century British Army regimental mess and grog’s historical significance in the military, the United States Navy, United States Air Force, and United States Army carry on a tradition at its formal dining in ceremonies whereby those in attendance who are observed to violate formal etiquette are "punished" by being sent to “the grog” and publicly drink from it in front of the attendees. 

The grog usually consists of various alcoholic beverages mixed together, unappealing to the taste. Attendees may also be singled out and sent to "the grog" for some good-natured ribbing and teasing.

Being told to have 5 drinks from the grog for not having their uniform right.