I grew up in a military family in the Midwest. My dad was a WWII air hero. He was a bombardier and turret gunner on B-17s. I had one sister (the oldest) and five brothers. We all served in the military except my youngest brother. My two oldest brothers were Marines and served in Vietnam. I chose to join the Army because my older brothers and my dad didn't want me to be a jarhead or leatherneck. They convinced me to use my education for better opportunities. I had just completed my associate's degree and wanted to complete my four-year degree on the GI Bill. On the battery of tests I took after enlisting, I scored high in language skills. I was sent to Fort Ord, Calif., for basic training, and after completion assigned to the Defense Language Institute in Presidio of Monterey. After completing training in the Korean language, I attended the U.S. Air Force School of Applied Cryptological Sciences in San Angelo, Texas. After training, I was shipped to Korea. I was assigned to the 329th Army Security Agency Company, 2nd Infantry Division, Camp Casey, Korea. After my tour, I was reassigned to the 335th ASA Company, 9th Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.
I was proud to serve my country! I have no regrets about my military service! Joining the Army was the best decision I ever made, even to this day over 50 years ago!