The year was late 69-70.

We had some southern born enthusiastic DI's. They made us salute the water coolers, (mfg GENERAL Electric). One time the DI said that we worked so hard that we deserved a party, so he said raise your hand if you like blondes and brunettes. We also needed two guys with a valid drivers license. Hands, of course, went up quickly, only to find out that the blonde was a mop, the brunette was a broom, and the drivers were for the floor buffers.

I remember my older brothers telling me not to volunteer for anything.
It was our first GI party.

First time pulling guard duty consisted of helmet liner, pistol belt, night stick, and one bullet. I was guarding some abandoned airfield near Maquire AFB. All night I kept thinking, "What am I going to do with this freakin bullet?"

Force march to the rifle ranges we were all yelling, "echo-echo-five-two, the best damn company on post".

For God and Country,
James K. Mickendrow
Summerville, SC 29485