CHAPTER NINE

Jerry Lee Lockhart – Affairs of the Heart

I came as a spectator. I wanted to observe what this inexperienced young man was up to. No one as new in the FFF world of fighting had ever issued a challenge. Yes, he had the right to do this. He was flapping his wings, and was soaring to great heights. After receiving Grand Master credentials at Lackland, he was also voted as number three in the lineup of FFF.

Yesterday, I watched all four rounds of elimination till it was whittled down to five. I knew most of the challengers from previous fights. Some were very good, and would give Bobby a great encounter.

One hundred twenty had preregistered. A hundred showed up. They only had five rings, but they had regulation size mats for the other fighters. A bunch of women were judges. Evidently, they had viewed films of previous fights, and understood the elements of ruling.

A woman by the name of Marcy Bowman was the head judge. If anyone complained she put them down in a very short time. There were guys two hundred pounds heavier and three heads taller than she was. By the time, she chewed them out they were walking away with their heads down mumbling to themselves. I admired her tenacity.

Round one eliminated fifty. Round two sent twenty-five packing. Round three had one drop out, because he fell over someone's dog, and the pain in his leg caused him to withdraw. Twelve were remaining toward the end. Round four whittled them to six.

Bobby had them draw from six slips of paper in a hat. Number six was designated as an alternate if any of the first five withdrew. Everything seemed well organized. The Servicemen's Wives Club had all tangents under control. I admired the planning and make-up that went into the itinerary.

Marcy came over to me and presented herself with a young woman about half her age. She bolstered, "This is my niece, Linda Roth, who is chairperson of this project. She modelled it after a program you were in at Lackland AFB outside San Antonio.

I told them that they were better organized than the group in Texas. There details fell on me. Linda responded, "I promised Bobby's wife that all Bobby would have to do is come and fight." Linda and Marcy appeared relaxed, and approached people with ease. They extended a wide grin and projected complete self-assurance.

Bobby came over and invited Marcy, Linda, their husbands and me to his house for dinner. "My wife and mother-in-law are awaiting us."

Marcy was licking her lips. I suspected it would be good. Bobby asked me if I was spending the night anywhere. I indicated that I would check in with the Servicemen's transit housing. He told me it was full and that all the hotels, motels and lodges were packed. Then he invited me to stay at his house. I accepted, then asked if this was alright with his family. He imparted they were expecting me.

The dinner was pot roast cooked with potatoes, carrots and onions, baked ham, greens, white beans, corn bread and apple pie with homemade ice cream for dessert. One and all agreed that this was a wonderful meal. The relaxed tranquil deportment was a pleasant experience.

Bobby invited me and George to go to the barn to see his plane and make shift gym. He gave a demonstration of kicks and hits that awed me at the speed at which he delivered. Then he back-flipped and landed on his feet.

He dispensed another round of kicks and hits with greater swiftness than previously released. Here was someone who was fast, accurate and confident, as well as a conditioned grand champion. His opponents tomorrow will be baffled. I suggested his nickname be 'Flying Fists.'

George agreed. He replied that the nick name had a ring to it, further imparting that as a pilot and a fighter it captures who he is. Bobby approved that he would be known as 'Flying Fists.

Bobby offered to give me a ride in his plane. I declined because of the big meal I had just devoured. George suggested he would be the person along for the ride. They taxied to the dirt road behind the house and took off. Within a few seconds he was flying straight up like a missile. I noticed every person emerged from the house to watch the show. Le Ann said that he loves to show off his plane and his skills.

The plane headed down in a perpendicular fashion like it was going to crash. Within a few feet from the ground, he headed up vertically like a shaft. He made several spins. It flipped on its side and flew in tight circles. I asked if he flew like this every day. Le Ann answered a couple of times a week, or when he brings over a special friend. She continued that I was the exceptional comrade.

I rose early to join Bobby in his two-mile run. I hardly kept up with him. My breathing was labored, my legs were weak, and I was sweating profusely. He did not perspire, nor gasp for air. In fact, he seemed ready to run again. My thoughts focused on from where did this 'Superman' come?

Before the match, two women dressed in muscle bound spongy he-man outfits appeared. They chased each other around the ring. One would stop and the other would collide with her, and both would collapse over each other.

When one tried to kick the other, she would fall. If they attempted to hit the other, their hands would bounce back and hit themselves in the face. With every missed hit or kick they would exhibit a strange look. The audience deeply laughed, stood up and applauded.

The fights began. The announcer introduced Roger Cole aka 'The Bouncer' and Bobby Olander aka 'Flying Fists.' Both fighters opened with a Thai Wye. Roger approached Bobby rapidly punching with his hands. Bobby blocked all attempts and hit Roger on the face. Bobby did a back flip, kicked Roger in the chest and knocked him down. The announcer pronounced, "Flying Fists is the winner in seventeen and a half seconds by a knock down."

Bobby won the next three contests swiftly. The fifth challenger withdrew, leaving man number six as the replacement.

Bud Smith aka 'The Mighty Crusher' mounted the ring. He was a head taller and carried one hundred twenty more muscle pounds of weight than Bobby. Bobby held up his hand to delay the fight. His assistant brought a blindfold and a bag that one could not see through. Bobby let Bud look at each item. Bud declared he could not see through either one. Bobby instructed Bud to put the blindfold over his eyes, slip the bag over his head tying it under his chin. Bud completed each request.

Each went to his own corner. The broadcaster shouted, "Fighters begin." Bud marched to Bobby and attempted to deliver an undercut blow to Bobby's midsection. Bobby blocked the punch, and distributed two hits to Bud's stomach.

Bud made multiple attempts to strike or kick Bobby to no avail. Bobby began kicking and hitting Bud so quickly that there was no way to defend himself. Bud stood large and appeared confused. He took two steps toward Bobby and slipped down. It was proclaimed, "Flying Fists won in two minutes and three seconds by a knock-out." The spectators went wild applauding. Many were jumping up and down shouting, "Flying Fists."

General Gofourth congratulated Bobby as many people did in the crowd. Le Ann entered the ring, kissed and hugged him. Bobby was handed the mike to speak. He disclosed, "I want the whole world to know that I did not do this by myself. Colonel Tuk in Thailand and Jerry Lee Lockhart taught me to fight. My wife and family supported and encouraged me. Thank you very much." His confidence melted the hearts of the ladies while the men admired him.

Linda reported that the Servicemen's Wives Club had raised over thirty-five thousand dollars. She declared, "Many military families will be helped with this money."

I was spending the night with Bobby and his family again. I heard Le Ann inviting General Gofourth to dinner. Bobby was driving me and the General to his house. Bobby expressed, "Martha's younger sister will be at supper. My mother-in-law is playing match-maker. She is expecting Jerry Lee and her sister to be attracted to each other.

General Gofourth laughed. I regarded the situation and muddled, "I'm not looking for anyone." Bobby responded, "I wasn't either when Martha demanded that I take Le Ann to a dance." General Gofourth chuckled harder.

Bobby said, "General, you are single, she may be after you next." I snickered. Bobby continued, "When Martha puts her mind to something she will not give up until she sees a wedding band on your hand."

Avery was a beautiful mature woman, a few years younger than me. She was a widow. I admit I was attracted to her, but I had been married twice. Both times failed because I was fully committed to my job. I didn't want to hurt her, nor discourage her.

Avery and I went walking after Bobby took the General back to the base. We shared many interests. I liked her. I confessed that I had two disastrous marriages. I disclosed that it was my fault, because I spent more time concentrating on my job in the Air Force than I did to my wives. I told her I was set in my ways. I did promise her I would write. We were holding hands when we walked back to the house. Maybe I could make room ...