First Weekend Basic Training

May 1968, big drafts for Vietnam build-up, I was drafted into the Army along with two other friends. We were spending our first weekend at Fort Dix,NJ. Confined to the company area for the weekend.

Not use to military restrictions, my friends Jim G, John R and myself found the Beer Hall on base near the parade field. It was a hot May day so we were able to drink quite a bit of beer that day, to go along with the sunburns on our faces.

When we returned to the company area everyone was looking for us. Seems that John R. had an aunt that lived in the area, so she came looking for her nephew. She and the Duty Sargent were informed John R. was with Jim G. and George F.
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Jim G. and I stuck to our story, “…Sargent I never left the company area all day…”. John R. confessed he went to the Beer Hall. Jim and I were persistent and stuck with our fabricated story. John R. received a Article 15 for his actions that first weekend.

Jim G. and I both ended up in Vietnam, John didn’t go to Vietnam. I don’t think that was influenced by our first weekend in the Army. Although, that Duty Sargent was also the Judo and Hand to Hand Combat Instructor.

I surely believe having me be his sparring partner for demonstrations every time may be a result of that first weekend.

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