[swrinfla]

Hardly an exotic history, but I was drafted and reported for basic training at Fort Leonard Wood (ghastly place ;D ) just under 49 years ago! Two years as a clerk at Fort Bliss, Texas, with the then-starting-up 6th Artillery Group.

At the insistence and urging of my crusty Master Sergeant boss there (he retired with something like 36 years of service!), I took a direct commission, then returned to St. Louis, where I spent the next 26 years or so in the Army Reserve.

Having retired as a Lieutenant Colonel, and with an eventual 11 years of active duty, I am proud of my personal service, even though it doesn't hold a candle to the guys and gals who actually served in WWII, Korea, Viet Nam or anywhere else.

Red, I am impressed at your father's rank at such an early age. Must have been a hard-charging GI!

SWR