39 years ago next month I got "the letter" from President Nixon and eventually had an entry date of 16JUN71. Just another dumbazz draftee who never believed it could happen to him. I went in kicking, screaming and protesting.
And then an amazing thing happened. I found a home in the Army. I loved it. So, two years active and 18 reserve later, I retired with 20 in 1991 - and missed the Army every day, and still do.
And that brings us to the latest letter I received yesterday. "Congratulations! The day you have worked for has finally arrived" So, after submitting the forms enclosed with the letter, my retired pay starts 01JUN10.
And that's what I mean by another chapter of my life beginning. How the hell is this possible? How can I be this old? How can my own son be on active duty wearing three stripes? (I am so proud of you Jase!)
Damn!
Anyway....brothers, it's been an honor and a privilege - every day! Thanks for letting me reflect a little......
Originally posted by Shardik: Wow, you have got to be the last draftee in the Army!
LOL! Must be close anyway.
Funny what you remember. Your place in the chow line was determined by your component. RAs (enlistees) ate first, US (draftees) were next, AR (Army Reserve) was next and NG (National Guard) was last.
EDIT: From answers.com: On June 30, 1973, Archie Turner was the last known person drafted into the US Army. Though he did not choose to join the Army, he chose to stay. He retired in 2004 as a Sergeant Major and senior military adviser in the Defense Logistics Agency.
