It All Began

As a child so intrigued by the lore
Of the local Army Surplus Store
I would visit every chance I got
Not knowing then that Surplus would be my lot

As I grew older I loved to visit them still
The gas masks the boots, when I had time to kill
The camo jackets, pants and shirts
I loved to look, its one way I got my kicks

I can remember the musty smell when walking in
They still smell the same as I’m taken back agin’ an agin’
Its a constant reminder of gone by days
Alive in my memories which are at times a haze

Mickey Mouse boots and Jackets telling tales of distant lands
In the Army Surplus stores, there they sat - on shelves and stands
That musty smell, oh so grand
A nostalgic trip, you understand.

Growing older I still love to go
To the surplus store rain sleet or snow
​Oh, those Surplus stores of yore
Where memories linger evermore

Never knowing that someday I would have my own
A store with my daughter at that time unknown 
When she was little I would take her to enjoy
The camo, jackets gas masks tents and more

It must have stuck in her mind
All that camo and gear
To make such an impact 
To want her own store - named for a Bear

BearTrax was her idea not at all mine
It came to her one day and I came along for the ride

- ​Bill Kregel

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How we picture our brick and mortar.