Seems like yesterday - no wait it was 53 years ago.
An early morning ride with my Dad to Fort Des Moines marked the beginning of my three year enlistment in the United States Army. It was a cool damp morning and the ride was quiet for a two time veteran and his son. As we pulled up to the Induction Station I was left with three short pieces of advice - “don’t be a smart ass your last name will cause you enough problems, always take the top bunk and don't forget I love you and will let you know if that ever changes.”
The day was spent filling out reams of papers, a physical, shots and what I learned too well over the next three years… a lot of hurry up and wait.
As 6 PM arrived we were bused to the Des Moines Municipal Airport, we weren’t International in 1968. A quick hug and goodbyes with family and friends and we were off on what for many of us was our first plane ride. A quick stop in Kansas City to add a few more of what would become America’s finest and we were off to Basic Training at Fort Polk, LA.
As we arrived at the airport at Fort Polk we were greeted by Drill Sergeants who declared they weren’t our mothers and something about making us men. At this point item one of a Dad’s advice kicked in. After a short “your left, right, left” we were ushered to a barracks where our schedule for the next day was explained. It was almost 3 AM. Our hosts left us with “ladies, sleep fast we’ll be back for you at 6 AM.” Pointer #2 kicked in as I crawled to the top bunk.
The day had gone fast, filled with emotions too large to understand and a future of unknowns. Looking back it would also help shape the person I am. Not bad for an unexpected experience.
In only a few hours I would be sworn in as a member of the United States Army, have my head shaved and be issued my first set of green underwear. Boxers!
At the end of day I knew my life was going to change. As I told my parents on the first call home "I still didn't know what I wanted to do with my life but I was learning what I didn't want to do...."
Update 09/25/2021
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