When reading the March 2017 issue of The American Legion Magazine, I enjoyed the letters regarding Basic Training Memories. My husband, Don James, entered basic at Bainbridge, Md., on 23 Sept 1953 and graduated on 12 Dec 1953. He was very fortunate to be a member of the First Regiment Choir and also the Center Choir. When the choir would have an engagement to sing near Philadelphia, his mom and dad would take me to the church or concert. He never complained about his basic training. He joined the Navy because a friend of his said, “Join the Navy – you’ll always have a hot meal and a bed to sleep in.” He was very fortunate to have served 1953-1957. He went to San Diego to MR school and then was aboard USS JPKennedy Jr., DD850, until the end of his service in September 1957. He was very proud to have served in the U.S. Navy. I only wish he were living and could tell you more about his basic training. I have a scrapbook with memos, church programs, yearbook, etc., from his basic and also his four years with the Navy.