Boy that brings back memories, it was 38 years ago today that I was drafted into the US Army. You talk about a fish out of water, at least that was the way it felt. I was bused to Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. where I took my basic training and A.I.T. (cook school). I have a lot of memories from that time period, some are fond memories and some are not. Like almost any kid from the farm, you see things that are new and do some really dumb things as well.
Fortunately I didn't have to go to Nam, I was asked to come back to the cook school and be an instructor, which I gladly accepted. So I had my tour of duty on Fort Leonard Wood and some TDY at the US Army, R & R Center at Lake of the Ozarks. I guess I was a lucky kid, some time in 1971, they went to an all volunteer army, and they let all of the drafted guys out four months early, I was given an additioanal 2 weeks early out because of Christmas, so instead of being discharged in 12/29/71, I was released on 12/15/71. Merry Christmas Ho Ho Ho.
Anyway it was a time that I can always look back at and think about, I had some good friends and some special friends as well. That wide eyed farm boy has slowed down a bit and the experience was golden, but I wouldn't want to get that letter again.
Love you all
Dad
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
