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!!
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