Basic

I remember a couple of people who were really kind to me when I was in basic training. There was the Sargent who clandestinely escorted me off post to see my wife and daughter. We spent two great hours together and the Sargent told me that we could see each other weekly at the chapel during church services. I can't remember his name, but it seems that he ran into Mrs. Stover, who was driving a cab on post at the time, and she told him about me and my wife. He took pity on me and brought me to the small apartment near the post where my wife had moved when I joined the army. It was a kindness I'll never forget, even though I can't remember his name.

The other was a soldier who took my KP duty on visitation day. Near the end of basic, families were invited to visit their soldier's unit for a short period. I think this was so moms and dads could see their sons and how they had changed during basic training. In my case, it was another chance for me to visit with my wife and daughter (she didn't recognize me and kept slapping my hand when I tried to hold hands with my wife). I was scheduled for KP duty on visitation day and I wouldn't have had the opportunity to visit with my family. Another soldier, who didn't have any family coming to see him, volunteered to take my place. Once again, I can't remember his name but he did me a great service and was very kind by taking my place. That's been nearly 30 years ago and I still remember it.

I didn't make any close friends during basic, but there was a sense of camaraderie among the men of my platoon that greatly affected me. I remember one time when I was separated from my platoon to do some duty and I literally felt homesick for them because we were separated. It seems strange that we were so close as a unit and yet I didn't form any lasting friendships.

I was the old man of the platoon in basic. I joined the army at 23 and most of my platoon mates were 18 and just out of high school. I might have taken a position of responsibility in the platoon as a consequence of my age (and my drill sargent actually suggested this) but there were others in the platoon who had better leadership abilities than me. More later.