Stamp Collecting to the Rescue

Many years ago, while serving in the Army, I had the opportunity to visit the middle east. Our unit consisted of individuals from all walks of life, some younger, some older and we had a few veterans of the Vietnam era. As expected, there was a little bit of stress involved and it affected many people in different ways.

One evening, while under a SCUD alert, I was hunkering down and keeping an eye on the skies. Suddenly, a young soldier rushed up to me. He was out of breath and gesticulating for me to MOVE IT. He managed to communicate the commander needed me right away. Thinking the worst, I gathered my gear and quickly made my way to the commander's tent.

It was revealed to me that a senior non-commissioned officer was experiencing some difficulties. The command group was prepared to evacuate the soldier, the commander requested that I attempt to speak to the man. Not completely understanding the situation, I approached a tent cautiously and heard quiet mumbling. I announced myself and entered the tent.

Within a few minutes I understood the situation and began to quietly speak to the man. His anxiety and agitation began to subside and he was soon able to communicate. Once he calmed down, we spoke for some time and discovered a shared interest. Yep, you guessed it. We were both stamp collectors. He was much older than me, a Vietnam veteran, and suffered an unexpected panic attack.

We continued talking about our shared hobby and he soon opened his footlocker. He pulled out a thick sealed envelope containing quite a few classic stamps from around the world. We reached an agreement and I ended up purchasing some of the stamps from him. Anytime he started to get anxious he called for me. The command group approved of my help and turned a blind-eye when I was unexpectedly called away from my duties. This prevented a difficult situation that would have resulted in a command change in the middle of a combat environment.

We both successfully returned home and continued our stamp collecting association for a number of years. He eventually retired and set up a small stamp business out of his home. He passed away many years ago but the association and unusual circumstance of our meeting remain an important part of my stamp collecting experiences.

The Stamp Show is Coming!

Yes, the Rocky Mountain Stamp Show is quickly approaching. Beginning May 26, 2023 a dedicated group of philatelists will gather together and indulge in the hobby of stamp collecting. Hundreds of collectors of all ages will spend hours searching through dealers stock books, cover accumulations and country collections All are hunting for the elusive treasure needed to complete their collection.

What can one find at a Stamp Show you may ask? One can find topical stamps as

well as world wide stamps ranging from inexpensive singles, classical stamps, rarities and exotic errors, freaks and oddities are available from the various dealers. More than 20 dealers, from around the country will attend this years show. The possibilities of finding that missing stamp, set of stamps, or cover for your collection are unlimited.

Are you curious to see what the type of material others are interested in collecting? Take the time to browse through the hundreds of exhibit frames on display at the Rocky Mountain Stamp Show. This year the show is hosting the George Brett Cup competition, a collection of the "best of the best" exhibits shown over the past three years. The competition is sponsored by the AAPE (American Association of Philatelic Exhibitors) and entry is by invitation only.

We hope to see you at the show, while you are visiting take a moment to stop by the Youth Booth. See what we are doing to interest young children in the hobby of stamp collecting.

Time is of the Essence

Stamp Collectors are special. The little bits of perforated paper are captivating. Each small piece of artwork holds more than one secret. The hidden knowledge can only be obtained through careful study and observation. Where did the stamp originate, when and where was it cancelled, are there any special markings (overprints, surcharges, etc.) that add more to the story?

As a young collector, on any given Saturday, if you did not find me down at the local stamp store you could find me at the kitchen table surrounded by stamps and a bowl of warm water. Once I got started soaking stamps there was no stopping me. Many times my sessions were interrupted by my mother tapping me lightly on the shoulder and saying it was time to set the table for dinner.

Friends would stop by asking me to go to the movies - there was a sci-fi monster double feature, popcorn was only a dime. I could not stop in the middle of soaking stamps, it would be curtains for the free world. My friends waited while the last stamps slowly separated from the paper backing. I had to lay the stamps out, cover them, and set the books in place. Only then could I clean up the table, store my supplies, and head out to the movies.

My friends might not have understand what was so appealing about little bits of paper. At the age of 11 or 12 did anyone understand what an obsession was? What my friends did understand was the need for me to complete this task. After missing a number of movies, or leaving without me, my friends learned to arrive early.

To this day, friends and family shake their heads when the stop by the home and see the binders, albums, and glassines of stamps. They have learned, if you bother him it is just going to take longer. They patiently wait while I clean things up before heading out to a brunch, lunch or dinner. Time is of the essence.