When I was about 13 or 14, back in about 1970, Hank Reinhardt lived here in Birmingham with his wife and baby girl. He lived next door to a great friend and companion of mine, Greg. Hank had metal swords, axes, knives, armor helmets, shields, mesh mace, leather protective arm bands, and a host of wooden weapons for sparring and such. Hank and my friend Greg were like father and son. I remember so well the times that Hank would take several of us boys across the creek to an open area in the woods that had a huge tall stump of a dead tree that he would throw throwing axes in to from about 40 to 60 feet distance. He actually taught us how to throw. Hank also taught us a lot about self defense, with, and without wooden swords and such, and shields. They were even padded. It was awesome. Hank was a very dignified person and well respected in our neighborhood and community. What great memories. Hank was a hero to us. He was an inspiration, a man who we all looked up to. He spent time with us and shared his knowledge, and I thank him for that. I know that my friend Greg, is devastated at the loss of his father figure and hero, Hank. I just wish there were more men like Hank who would spend as much time as he did throughout his life, even way back then, when we were young kids, with young men who were interested in swords and shields and such, sharing his knowledge. Hank was a Hero to us, and with all due respect, he taught each and every one of us a lot also, about dignity, and respect, and kindness, and honor, among men. God Bless Hank. He was a great man.
