This reunion began for most of us, male or female, between 17 and 22. Our family changed and we joined another family: the U.S. Military Family.
I am 74, and my awareness of how enormous and complex military life is began when I was 22. The Vietnam War was still going on and the United States had a lottery system. This system was used to draft young men like myself into the military. Also, as today, a person could choose to enlist in any branch of the military. I had recently graduated from college and had a low lottery number (144). It was certain I would be drafted, so in 1971 I volunteered.
Military life was the biggest eye-opener of my entire life. I believed I was better equipped for military life because I had previously attended college 800 miles from my home. I must admit my biggest fear was the possibility that I might be required to fight on the front lines and possibly get badly wounded or killed. My plans were to get married shortly after my two-year enlistment was completed.
As many of you know, if you were drafted you did not have the opportunity to choose where you would be stationed or what MOS you would be trained for.
From day one I realized my military life was uncertain. As the days went on I met my extended military family. These individuals came from all over the United States - places I had never heard of, and many with accents like I had never heard before. One thing was for sure, we shared one purpose: TO DEFEND AND PROTECT OUR GREAT COUNTRY. We were taught to always honor and respect those family members who had served before us; many had lost their lives in combat so we all could have the continued privilege to live in our free country.
I will never forget my first Christmas in the Army. I was stationed at Fort Wolters in Mineral Wells. Texas. I had been in the Army for less than one year. Many of the other military members had more seniority and rank than I did. This gave them first choice to go on leave for the holiday. I, along with others, provided necessary services at the hospital and various crucial support services. This was the first time in my lifeI would not be home for Christmas with my family. The officer’s wives assisted the mess hall staff, and made homemade goodies.