During a hot summer day in August, 1966, I rode a train with other recruits from Baltimore to Trenton, NJ. When we arrived at the station, a bus with US Army written across both sides, opened it's doors to carry us to Fort Dix, my basic training home for the next 9 weeks.

After a couple of weeks of training and learning things the "Army Way", our platoon sergeant called for volunteers. He asked if anyone could drive a manual transmission vehicle. I raised my hand.

Before leaving home, veterans, fathers, mothers and just about everyone else advised me to not volunteer for anything - just wait to be picked! Turns out, they were wrong.

I took a driver's test on a deuce-and-a-half canvas covered truck and passed. For the rest of basic training, I drove that truck around the base for a supply sergeant and carried troops to the field and firing ranges.

I still had to learn and experience the life of an infantryman like the rest of my fellow recruits, just a few more perks.

I kept my military driver's license throughout my enlistment. Does anyone need a lift around Fort Dix?