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| Me, Fort Dix New Jersey, U. S. Army Basic Training January 1960 |
Sixty-six years ago today (January 27, 1960), I boarded a train from Downingtown Pennsylvania to Philadelphia to catch a bus to Fort Dix New Jersey.
Yes, I joined the United States Army.
My heart was in my throat as I got on that bus with my about forty other young men like me off to the Great Unknown, Fort Dix New Jersey for U. S. Army Basic Training.
To this day, I will always remember January 27, 1960 as one if not the most significant day of my life.
My family couldn't afford to send me to college, which is what I wanted.
I couldn't find a job.
I didn't want to get drafted.
I didn't want to shoot anybody or get shot at.
I joined because I believe my Army recruiter that I had a choice in what I would do in the Army.
He was right, I did have a choice and it was the best decision of my life.
I will always remember January 27, 1960 until the day I die.
2 comments:
That's a monumental date to remember, Ron. I know quite a few of my New Jersey relatives were there, including two of my great-uncles, who were in WWI. Jon
January 27 is a date that has been embedded in my mind all my life. It was a major turning point in my life Jon. I entered a whole new world from the small. town I was brought up in, constantly put down by my father. I thought I was lower than dirt. In the Army, I found my true self. I know this sounds like a recruitment ad but I did become an adult and gained immense self confidence after three years in the Army. When I returned home I was my own person and my father's putdowns finally stopped. Many years later my Mother casually remarked "Pop didn't think you would make it through basic training." I was surprised when I heard her say that so casually. I told her "Why wouldn't I make it through? Sure, it was tough but I was determined to finish and I did. Just goes to show you that kids don't need encouragement from their parents to become strong and independent.
Ron
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