I weighed 200 pounds when I started basic training and 180 pounds when I completed it. The Army definitely whipped me into shape; best physical condition I was ever in.
Before we went into the mess hall for each meal, we had to shout out our serial number. I will never forget that number as long as I live.
Outside the mess hall was a sign that read, “Take all you want, Eat all you take.”
I was earning $90 a month and always had money in my pocket. I couldn’t go anywhere to spend it.
We had to paint white dots on the back of one pair of our boots. This was to make sure we changed boots every day. The platoon sergeant could walk behind our morning formation and see if we had the correct boots on.
These are a few of the things I remember from basic training.

Fort Dix, NJ
February 1968