I left for Basic Training on October 15, 1971 for Ft. Knox and E-15-4 was to be my home for about 10 weeks. My Drill Sergeant was Sergeant Chester. Anyone who has gone trough Basic never forgets their Drill Sergeant. I really think he was a caring person and wanted the best for all. My most vivid memories are marching to the ranges almost every day. Shooting was something I kind of liked, much better than PT at the end of the day. Looking back I find it interesting how a group of guys from all over the country become a functioning body. That is something that I never saw again in my working life.

Probably the worst experience in Basic was the Gas Chamber. It was the day after Thanksgiving. We had a great meal on the holiday and gassed the next day. I often wander what happened to all the guys, most I never saw again after Basic. Last summer my wife and I took a road trip to Ft. Knox because I wanted to see my old training area. As I entered the Post the guard asked what I needed and I stated I wanted to see E-15-4. He laughed and said it was long gone. I did find the building as it was one of the nicer cement block buildings; however, no training going on or tanks running around. As we drove around I am sure my wife got sick of me talking about what it was like and how much it had changed. As for me I never regret having gone through the Army. I saw a lot that I don't want to remember, but a lot that that I will hold in my memory for ever.