On completion of the second week of basic training at Lackland AFB, back in Dec 1975, my stressed out brain finally relaxed enough to allow me to go #2 in the barracks bathroom.

Now, remember, when not wearing your cap, you kept your cap (cover) tucked in the back of your waistband, out of sight. Just before mail call, the urge hit, and to the bathroom I ran.

And after a lengthy time there, and feeling much better, I rejoined my squad, albeit, after mail call was completed. Then it was time for chow, and we formed a line to leave, and everyone got their cap (cover).

Stress returned stronger than ever, as I had no idea where I lost my cap, and the TIs were all over me as to why I did not have mine. Well, just before the chow line formed, another trainee went to use the bathroom. He came back out as we were waiting in the chow line and explained to the TIs that one of the john's had overflowed and was all over the floor.

He also said there appeared to be a cap in the mess of it all. You can guess what transpired. I did receive a new cap, after I spent the entire chow time and evening time scrubbing the entire bathroom floor and stalls, all twenty of them.

So everyday thereafter, until graduation time, I had to stand in front of the restroom before lights out and declare "All covers are clear!"

Two years later, at Fairchild AFB, I ran into one one of my TIs. He remembered the incident well, and stated for a long time afterwards, I was the "butt" of many jokes, told between the TIs.