Always listen to your father.

My dad, a World War II Navy vet, was offering me some advice in 1968, just before I reported for Army training at Fort Polk, La.

"If somebody asks you if you like to drive, just don't answer," he advised.

"What? But I haven't had my license long, and I loved to drive," I said. But I took his words under advisement.

A few days into basic training, a bunch of us were in morning formation as we were being weeded out for work details. A Sergeant, facing us, asked, "Anybody here like to drive?"

A bunch of hands went up, but not mine: I was heeding dad's advice.

Within moments, a trainee had been selected, and he had been presented with a wheelbarrow.

"Then this is what you get to drive today," the sergeant barked at the unlucky soldier.

Some things never change. I repeat: Always listen to your dad.