My time at Fort Lewis, Wash., started in November 1967 on my first day in basic training. As we got off the bus, a drill sergeant just started calling us names and yelling. My first thought was, "What the hell have I gotten myself into?" There was no letting up by any of the drill sergeants during my daily duties. This had to be my worst memory.

I have several fond memories. When I had finished over half of my basic, I knew at that time I was going to make it. When the day came to graduate, I felt proud, as did my family. It was at that time I knew things for me were going to be okay and I would serve my country proudly.