Westy’s & Storytelling
Everyone has a story to tell. There are happy stories, sad stories, stories of adventure, and stories of tragedy. There are exciting stories, boring stories, funny stories, and not-so-funny stories. We hear stories about a family’s history and yes, my childhood favorite, we listen to bedtime stories. Just when you think you have a great story to tell, someone else comes along with one of their own that may be better!
After four years of dating and thirty years of marriage, Holly and Mark have many stories of their own. From their “Hanz and Franz” (who remembers this SNL skit?) trip cross-country after graduating from West Point to their three years stationed in Germany as LTs, to their duty stations in the states, to their decade-plus time at West Point while raising four kids, Holly and Mark are fortunate enough to have shared many, many wonderful moments with countless numbers of friends, thus creating an endless amount of stories. Over the next several blogs, our intent is to share some of these stories with our readers and hopefully encourage all of you to think about some of your favorite stories of the past and get excited about Westy’s and all of the stories that will be shared while enjoying your time with friends and family. In fact, we plan to post some of our favorite stories via QR code in Westy’s.
The first story we wanted to blog about was unit coins. For those who served in the military in some capacity, you are probably aware that most commanders have a unit coin they present to a soldier or government service employee when he or she accomplishes a task that is above and beyond what is required. These coins typically have the logo and colors of the unit along with the unit’s motto. Most are round but more recently they are being produced in all shapes and sizes, some even in the form of a poker chip.
At Westy’s, we will have a coin wall where patrons can bring in their unit coins and drop them in, similar to the “4 in a Row” game you played as kid when you dropped red and blue checkers into a slot. There is more to it than that. Before dropping the coin into the slot, alert the bartender. Once verified that you have a unit coin, then drop it into the slot. Once dropped, the bartender will ring a bell and provide you with a free beer! It will be exciting to watch the coin wall expand over time! More importantly, be prepared to share your story that explains how you received your unit coin. Chances are that your story will generate more stories from you and others around you. The next thing you know, everyone is engaged with each other’s stories and having a great time!
We want to share a story about the first coin that will be dropped into Westy’s coin wall. This past weekend, Holly and Mark attended a wedding of a classmate and dear friend’s daughter in Asheville, NC. After the wedding, the father of the bride, Ovi Alfaro approached us and said, “I have something for Westy’s.” He proceeded to pull a coin out of his pocket and handed it to us. He said, “This was Anthony DeToto’s coin given to him by the Secretary of the Army when he was his Civilian Aide in Texas. Anthony gave it to me before he passed away and I want to give it to Westy’s.” We humbly accepted the coin and vowed that it would be the first coin dropped in the coin wall. For those who did not know Anthony, he was bigger than life. Also, a member of the Class of ’91, Anthony, or “Totes”, was a mover and a shaker. His network of friends was boundless, and he was beloved by everyone. If you needed ANYTHING and you were not sure how to get it, call Totes and consider it done. We are happy and honored that the first coin dropped into Westy’s coin wall will be Anthony DeToto’s. May he rest in peace.
Holly and Mark love storytelling (Holly tells them better than Mark). Before heading to Westy’s, pull out those unit coins, reach back into your memory bank, and come ready to share your stories with us. We look forward to hearing them!
Mark and Holly West
Owners, Westy's
