It was April of 1951 when I reported to Great Lakes and began some of the best years of my life.

The Korean war was in full bloom and I was anxious to get out in the fleet. The Navy decided I should go to Aviation School in Jacksonville, Florida. I had forgotten the Navy had an Air Force.

Our fourteen weeks went by in a blur. Sitting at the table in the center of the barracks listening to Country Western Music was new to me. Washing our clothes in a sink with nothing but a scrub brush and soap was done every night in our skivvies, washing the clothes we wore that day so that our Sea Bag was always ready for inspection.

We drilled and went to classes in wet damp clothes that were dried in the "dry room" used by 75 men. We attended classes and were informed that the old "rocks and shoals" of the Navy were being replaced by the new UCMJ.

The highlight of my Boot Camp days was the day where we were to "Man the Rail", We didn't know what the big deal was, but it turned out to be for General Douglas McArthur after he was recalled by President Truman.

Then we got another surprise in the form of a USO show with none other than Bob Hope.

After Boot Camp I began four great years in a great many countries.

Thank you.