My parents dropped me off at the entrance to central area after a couple days drive from my home near Chicago. We stopped one day in PA to visit my Dad’s relatives and drop off my siblings. We arrived in the morning of R-Day and I didn’t see my family again until Christmas. It seems kind of harsh especially since I was only 17, not turning 18 until December, but I didn’t know any better! It might have been harder on my parents; I was the oldest of 5, so this was new for everyone.
My dad had given me a haircut the day before. I remember going to the barber shop and being asked why I was there since “it’s obvious” I had already been there for a haircut!!!
I knew nothing about the military, so the rest of the day (and all of beast summer) is a blur. I do remember marching out to Trophy point for the swearing-in ceremony.
I also remember a guy standing next to me before reporting to the “man in the red sash”, quit on the spot and left!!
Ah, yes, your story brings back many memories, Tom! Thanks for sharing … send in more!
Tom,
Thank you for the historical overview – I enjoyed hearing more about your life. Makes me think of our days together on the Beast Detail as upperclassmen; we had a good bunch of “kids” for that experience. WP prepared us to deal with whatever was thrown at us throughout life.