My First Days

In August,1965 after physicals and taken the oath, I flew out of Pittsburgh to USN Training Center at Great Lakes, Illinois.

Walking after dark to an old barracks, some sailor stuck his head out from the second story window and shouted at 15 to 20 of us new recruits "You'll be sorry!".

A fellow next to me ask "What do you think he meant?" I said "We are about to find out." Not have eaten all day they decided to feed us. Having grown up on a small farm, I could eat anything, ground hog, squirrel, wild rabbit, etc. I think the meal was dried pig fat and gravy. It was the worst meal I ever ate.

We went 2 or 3 days doing all kind of calisthenics in our civilian clothes.

They gave us a bag to send our clothes home. I threw mine in the dumpster, shoes and all. Looking back now I just smile.

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