You can tell I am new to this, but I will get it down. Back to the story. Julie and I were married in July and in November of 1969 I got a letter saying "greetings from the president" I had been drafted again. As I look back I had options, I just did not know them. I was just starting my senior year at USU and had been recruited to fly for the Navy (another fun story) but I was young and didn't know I had options. I entered the Army in December of 69 just 5 months after we were married.
I did not fathom how difficult this was for Julie. I just knew I did not want to be away from her. My whole life thought was how fast I could get back to her. I did not think of how this was affecting her. In later years I came to know that she felt that she was deserted. She was. I just did not know how to do anything different.
I first went to Ft. Lewis Washington for basic training. There I learned to shout Kill as we lunged with bayonets at dummy's. I learned the discipline of the Army. I learned that I could lead. I learned that I missed my wife more than I could imagine.
I then was given the option of going to West Point, OCS, Viet Nam or NCO school. After some cursory study I chose NCO school because I then did not have to serve more than 24 months. That story will follow later. I know one thing all I thought about for the next 16 months was what and how I could be back with Julie again.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Continued Drafted twice
To Continue, on Sunday I had my farewell. Willard drove me to SLC in my 57 Chevy. He dropped me off with my luggage (consisting of 2 suits Mr. Anderson at Ashtons had given me along with the luggage) and drove my beloved 57 Chevy back to Vernal and returned it to my parents. We met with the General authorities (all 200 missionaries who were in the mission home) Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday we went through the temple, and on Thursday we hopped a train for Chicago. (I picked up the language really fast and had it down pat fully that week)
Since this is about being drafted twice, I have to skip the mission and fast forward to September of 1967. I came home, registered for school at USU arranged to live with a missionary I knew from the Northern States Bob Edwards, and found a job at the "Hub" This was the food service located in the Main student building. The name eludes me for now.
Long story short it was at the Hub where I met Julie. I fell in love the 1st day I saw her. Made a bet I could get a date with her for $5 with my co workers, and after being turned down4 times she finally said yes to attending "church" with me on Sunday. We should have got married right then, but it was 1 and 1/2 years later on July 11th 1969. I was late to the Logan temple.
I have a feeling I am out of space.
Since this is about being drafted twice, I have to skip the mission and fast forward to September of 1967. I came home, registered for school at USU arranged to live with a missionary I knew from the Northern States Bob Edwards, and found a job at the "Hub" This was the food service located in the Main student building. The name eludes me for now.
Long story short it was at the Hub where I met Julie. I fell in love the 1st day I saw her. Made a bet I could get a date with her for $5 with my co workers, and after being turned down4 times she finally said yes to attending "church" with me on Sunday. We should have got married right then, but it was 1 and 1/2 years later on July 11th 1969. I was late to the Logan temple.
I have a feeling I am out of space.
Drafted 2 times
First off I have been thinking of writing a blog with some history for my kids and grandkids so they might know why I am the way I am. Today I want to focus on why and how I was in the Army.
In 1965 I had just finished 2 quarters (yes it was quarters not semesters back them) at Utah State University. My life had been a little unstructured with the exception of church and family influence. My parents had wanted me to go on a mission, but I did not want to do anything that they wanted me to do. In my heart of hearts I wanted to go, but did not want to give them the satisfaction of knowing I would do what they wanted me to do.
My Bishop called me in and we talked about going on a mission. I said yes I would go. We started the process. I can't remember much about it because in those days you just said you would go and then you would get a call from the prophet.
The days passed and I had not said anything to my parents. One day my mom found out from the RS president that I was going on a mission. She was shocked since I had resisted all attempts to get me to go in the past. She was very happy.
I finally recieved my mission call signed by President David O McKay to go to the Northern States mission. I was to leave in October of 1967. Things were cool. I just drove my 57 Chevy and did the things a 19 year old guy would do. I dated, went to the dances and played pool at the bowling alley.....no mission prep at all.
At the time I was working at Ashton Brothers bakery. I was Ralph's right hand man. In fact when he went on vacation I was in charge. We had mothers of kids my age who worked there and it was funny to be in charge. (but I did enjoy it) Life was good I went in at 4 AM and got off about noon. Then I had the rest of the day to party on. I was having fun.
Sometime in September (I think) I recieved my draft notice. I was to go in sometime within 2 weeks of when I was to go on my mission. I can't remember how we handled this but I do remember saying "I don't know where I am going, but I do know I am going somewhere" With some help from trusted advisors we were able to convince the draft board that I should be able to serve on my mission.
I had my mission farewell (they were a big deal in those days) We had a program with pictures and who was speaking etc. I remember my main speaker was Willie Hofeltz who was the church and school custodian and I loved him. He stuttered and was not a man of high social or business standing, but he loved those he taught and most importantly knew them. To him I was the party guy. (that meant church parties where games were played...or at least that was what I thought) In retrospect he may have known more my nature at the time. Never let it be said that I did not have fun......mmmmm seems that things have not changed much.
My farewell was on Sunday...Ooops out of space I will continue to the # 2 draft later.
In 1965 I had just finished 2 quarters (yes it was quarters not semesters back them) at Utah State University. My life had been a little unstructured with the exception of church and family influence. My parents had wanted me to go on a mission, but I did not want to do anything that they wanted me to do. In my heart of hearts I wanted to go, but did not want to give them the satisfaction of knowing I would do what they wanted me to do.
My Bishop called me in and we talked about going on a mission. I said yes I would go. We started the process. I can't remember much about it because in those days you just said you would go and then you would get a call from the prophet.
The days passed and I had not said anything to my parents. One day my mom found out from the RS president that I was going on a mission. She was shocked since I had resisted all attempts to get me to go in the past. She was very happy.
I finally recieved my mission call signed by President David O McKay to go to the Northern States mission. I was to leave in October of 1967. Things were cool. I just drove my 57 Chevy and did the things a 19 year old guy would do. I dated, went to the dances and played pool at the bowling alley.....no mission prep at all.
At the time I was working at Ashton Brothers bakery. I was Ralph's right hand man. In fact when he went on vacation I was in charge. We had mothers of kids my age who worked there and it was funny to be in charge. (but I did enjoy it) Life was good I went in at 4 AM and got off about noon. Then I had the rest of the day to party on. I was having fun.
Sometime in September (I think) I recieved my draft notice. I was to go in sometime within 2 weeks of when I was to go on my mission. I can't remember how we handled this but I do remember saying "I don't know where I am going, but I do know I am going somewhere" With some help from trusted advisors we were able to convince the draft board that I should be able to serve on my mission.
I had my mission farewell (they were a big deal in those days) We had a program with pictures and who was speaking etc. I remember my main speaker was Willie Hofeltz who was the church and school custodian and I loved him. He stuttered and was not a man of high social or business standing, but he loved those he taught and most importantly knew them. To him I was the party guy. (that meant church parties where games were played...or at least that was what I thought) In retrospect he may have known more my nature at the time. Never let it be said that I did not have fun......mmmmm seems that things have not changed much.
My farewell was on Sunday...Ooops out of space I will continue to the # 2 draft later.
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