I had been drafted. My lottery number was thirty-nine so I knew it was coming, but like many young people then and now I hoped it would just go away.
It didn't.
So, my wife and 11 month old daughter and my parents rode with me to the AFEES station. Now, I don't remember what that was, but I distinctly remember disliking it.
We said our goodbyes, I was put on a bus, then a plane, then another bus. Well, it was all pretty confusing.
At last the journey ended and there I was...in the army now. We got there at some ridiculous time in the morning, went through a rigamarole, which I think involved getting our fatigues...maybe not...but I think we hit the sack around 3 AM, and of course, they came around banging trash cans around six or so. Welcome to the armed services.
I'm pretty sure the first actual day they asked if anybody had lifeguard experience. You know someone will explain to you pretty early on, not to volunteer for anything. They hadn't got to me yet. I raised my stupid hand. I'm calling my hand stupid, because I'm sure it was the only part of me that consider this a good idea.
