Being the old guy now it's possible to look back over my life and see what was important and what wasn't. Forty years ago I had no plans to join the military. I was drafted. Plain and simple I got my notice to report and I did. I did have other plans. I was getting married. I had a good job. I had my life in front of me yet it made a sharp detour for several years.
Vietnam was going on hot and heavy. Tet had just happened shortly before I was in basic training. During the night guys were heading out the back door of the barracks and a few hours later they were in Canada. I did what I knew was right. I am not the warrior type, but stuck it out. Looking back, it was the best things I could have ever done. Sticking in there when things are tough is a rock you can build the rest of your life upon. Though most of my hard training was for Vietnam, the orders never came; I was sent to Korea instead.
The Army had polished off those youthful rough edges and when my service was over I had a different perspective on life. When I came home most of my friends were still there, but a few were gone. Some went to Vietnam and never came home. Now I honor their memory. With the passing of years I understand completely the expression one often hears: "Freedom is not Free"
Today I have the deepest respect for those that choose to serve their country in the armed forces. God bless this great country of ours and especially those who protect it!
Best Moment Graduation getting the hell out of Lewis!
Worst Moment Zero Week. We hung around Ft. Lewis until there were enough guys to start up a basic training company. We were confined to a barracks for about a week only let out for meals three times a day. We had nothing to do except feed on our own fears and rumors. There was a E-5 that was incharge of us who locked himself in the cadre room only to come out three times a day and herd us to the mess hall. He had just returned from Vietnam and was wigged out. He knew what was instore for most of us and didn't want to tell us.
Instructors Actually only had one DI. Sgt Glen Tominaga was one of the coolest dudes one would ever have the privilege of knowing.
Other Memories Ft. Lewis never stopped raining. Marched in the rain. PT in the rain. All training was in the rain. I heard that a year later in 1969 there were two weeks of summer when it stopped raining!