In early 1969, I was privileged to experience basic at Fort Benning, Georgia.

We were warned many times about "Jake No Shoulders" and to avoid them. Do not mess with the snakes. During the bivouac the monsoon rains came at night.

I felt Jake moving all over my sleeping bag. He just curled up on me and did not move. Terrified, I remembered not to swat at him or he might bite me.

After several long, long minutes, the soldier on night watch told me that my tent had fallen down on me during the rain!

Heart attack was over. This nice man even re-staked my tent. Whew! I stayed in an Airborne Ranger spy unit until 2001 when I finally retired.

Thomas R. Neff, Milford Michigan.