Just back from the ceremonies at The Villages Memorial Park. Always a good show.
U.S.Army 1959-1988.
Drafted. Basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in the middle of winter = Bah!
OJT as cadre to newly formed HQ unit 6th Artillery Group at Fort Bliss, TX.
My sergeant there - a crusty old Master Sergeant who'd been around since "Christ wore knee pants" and knew everyone "worth knowing" in the chain of command - made sure that my required Reserve time be spent as a commissioned officer.
So, my first two week summer camp at Camp McCoy, WI, at the end of July 1962. I became hooked and served in a variety of Army Reserve units, including a two-star headquarters command until 1978.
Went on full-time active duty as AGR (Army-Guard Reserve) for six years right at home in St. Louis.
Retired as Lieutenant Colonel, USAR. Receive just over 11 years' active duty retirement pay, which helps me afford all my travel!
Wouldn't have missed it for the world. And, when I meet with officers who actually served "in the trenches," I can't match their stories, but have some weird ones of my own!
SWR
