During the Vietnam War, we were being given classes in basic map reading by the company’s executive officer. This was in those old white wooden WW2 non-air-conditioned classrooms.
We had one member of our company, Private Bryant, who came from the inner city, and he was finding some difficulties in fitting in with his new Army Life. Everyone was required to have his pencil and notebook during the class. The lieutenant noticed that Private Bryant was without his note-taking materials.
The lieutenant said, “Private Bryant. The training schedule stated that you had map reading class today, and that materials required were a pencil and notepad. Why don’t you have yours?”
Bryant stood up and unexpectedly retorted, “Sir. I’m a poor boy. I can’t afford fancy pencils and notepads like these other people. I’m just trying to get by in this Army.”
The lieutenant found it difficult to be a disciplinarian and laugh at the same time. He started to turn to go back to continue giving instruction to the rest of the company.
However, because it was July, the Wet-Bulb was high, and the classroom was hot and stuffy, we were allowed to remove our green fatigue shirts during the class. That was everyone except for Private Bryant, who was not wearing his T-shirt that day, and so was the only one in the class still wearing his fatigue shirt in the hot classroom.
The lieutenant then said, “Private Bryant, I know for a fact that the Army issued you four white T-shirts. Why is it that everyone else in this classroom is wearing his, while you are the only one who did not?”
Bryant slowly started to stand, and his head was drooped, looking from the left to the right. He then quickly stood erect, looked at the lieutenant, and snapped, “Army got's poor laundry service!”, and quickly sat down.
The lieutenant just shook his head and said, “Well, I can’t argue with you there.”

Lonnie Averkamp, Golden, Miss.