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.
I loved reading this... so great to have it to share with your grandkids as they get older. I am so grateful to have you as my dad and am very, very happy you are blogging! I love you!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is fascinating information! I had no idea that you had been drafted before your mission! You said some beautiful things about Mom that really touched me! I love you Dad! Stay strong with the blogging!
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