Small world Bob. I too enlisted while a Senior in HS for the delayed enlistment program. Went in right after graduation. I had two trips across the pond. My first was as an enlisted/NCO and the second as an Officer. I made it to Sgt. E-5 and was offered a commission. When it was discovered I was to young to be commissioned they countered with an offer of a promotion to SSG, or OCS (if I could make a plane leaving that afternoon).
I served with the 5th SFGA Mike Force (A-404) and MACVSOG CCC as a Platoon Leader of the Hatchet Force and on Spike Team Florida. A good time was had by all!
After being wounded and returned to the States I made the mistake of going to the Miami VA instead of staying in the Army. I was convinced I'd be one of the first RIFTd so I got out with the intent of obtaining my degree and then going back in. It was only much later that I found my commission had been converted to RA and I wouldn't have been subject to the RIFT after-all! Sure wish I would have known but all has worked out well and I honestly didn't miss the 0500 cross country runs with the 50 lb ruck every day. One thing I do know is that I never would have survived in a conventional unit; especially a leg unit.
Wow, Bob, it is a small world ... thanks for contacting me. And a belated welcome to Jax ... I've been here for 17 years since Barnett Bank gave me the opportunity to move or become unemployed in Columbus. I live in Mandarin, and really do like it here. Going back to my ALO days, I think the only two students I remember from Kendrick and Spencer are Mike Wilson and Scott Boren. Mike was a helo pilot in the Army and retired to Texas as a WO-4. And Scott, who's one of my very best friends, graduated from USAFA, flew KC-135s, and now works for Lockheed-Martin in Dallas. My direct email is tomlokey@aol.com. Hope to run into you sometime.
If you're not already aware. This is what's going on in DC while dangerous criminals are allowed back out on the streets. It's horrifying that this is happening to our citizens and veterans for protesting the hijacking of our election process. This is still happening! They are STILL being tortured and treated like full on terrorists.
You may not be aware of the typical things they're forced to go through...…
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I served with the 5th SFGA Mike Force (A-404) and MACVSOG CCC as a Platoon Leader of the Hatchet Force and on Spike Team Florida. A good time was had by all!
After being wounded and returned to the States I made the mistake of going to the Miami VA instead of staying in the Army. I was convinced I'd be one of the first RIFTd so I got out with the intent of obtaining my degree and then going back in. It was only much later that I found my commission had been converted to RA and I wouldn't have been subject to the RIFT after-all! Sure wish I would have known but all has worked out well and I honestly didn't miss the 0500 cross country runs with the 50 lb ruck every day. One thing I do know is that I never would have survived in a conventional unit; especially a leg unit.
Just responded to your friend request. Looking forward to learning more about you and eventually meeting you.
Thanks for the request.