Army basic training, Fort Dix, summer 1966

I remember certain events like they were yesterday. For instance, hearing the song "Cherry Cherry" blasting over the PA system on my way to make a collect call to my girlfriend, in that building with all those phones. Then the next morning getting into a fistfight with a cook who didn't like the way I tossed my mess tray into the kitchen. Then the haircut; I wondered if it would grow back by the time I got leave. I remember having to get up at 4:45 AM every morning. And the forced marches. But most of all I remember the guys who went through those nine weeks of craziness with me. I never thought I'd say this, but how I wish I could go back there again.

« Previous story
Next story »