Memoir
Viewing comments for Chapter 1 "Humbly Into the Green"True story
17 total reviews
Comment from Mustang Patty
Thank you for your service. It is always interesting to me to read someone's induction to the military. I enlisted in the Army 9 days before my 18th birthday, and my experience should be written down. (Since I'm a woman, and one of the last WACs, it makes for a good read.)
It sounds like you always had the best intentions about your graduations, but a few things got in your way. I think the same kinds of things happen to our young people today, and that could explain the drop-out rate.
I enjoyed your story, and thank you for sharing with us,
~patty~
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2017
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Thank you for your service. It is always interesting to me to read someone's induction to the military. I enlisted in the Army 9 days before my 18th birthday, and my experience should be written down. (Since I'm a woman, and one of the last WACs, it makes for a good read.)
It sounds like you always had the best intentions about your graduations, but a few things got in your way. I think the same kinds of things happen to our young people today, and that could explain the drop-out rate.
I enjoyed your story, and thank you for sharing with us,
~patty~
Comment Written 22-Feb-2017
reply by the author on 22-Feb-2017
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Thank you, Patty, for the nice review. When did you go in? Was it a good experience. My sister served from 1960-63. Happy day.
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Hi Bill; I served in total peace time. It was from 76-79. It was a good experience except for getting married too young. I didn't reenlist because he didn't want me to. I chose the marriage over the military and when the marriage ended after 5 years, I knew I had made the wrong decision.
~patty~
Comment from Thomas Bowling
A very good contest entry. Thank you for your service. Men of our generation seldom hear this. Vietnam Vets aren't congratulated, but they are deserving.
reply by the author on 20-Feb-2017
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A very good contest entry. Thank you for your service. Men of our generation seldom hear this. Vietnam Vets aren't congratulated, but they are deserving.
Comment Written 20-Feb-2017
reply by the author on 20-Feb-2017
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Thank you, and thank you.
Comment from Meia (MESAYERS)
My husband has a military background and took part in two walks which were record breakers that so few actually finish. He was one of the ones that did.I loved hearing your story for as much as you are funny and clever at writing voices, you are also a strong story teller and this is fantastic. Brilliant read, well done and thanks for sharing. Kind regards Meia x
reply by the author on 20-Feb-2017
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My husband has a military background and took part in two walks which were record breakers that so few actually finish. He was one of the ones that did.I loved hearing your story for as much as you are funny and clever at writing voices, you are also a strong story teller and this is fantastic. Brilliant read, well done and thanks for sharing. Kind regards Meia x
Comment Written 20-Feb-2017
reply by the author on 20-Feb-2017
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Thank you, Meia, for the encouraging review. Accomplishing those things that few do is soul building. Happy day.
Comment from Autumn Splendour
You went through some hurdles but eventually did graduate. So all's well that ends well.
Just a comment; why did you allow them to expel you when you were innocent? Couldn't you put up a fight?
reply by the author on 20-Feb-2017
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You went through some hurdles but eventually did graduate. So all's well that ends well.
Just a comment; why did you allow them to expel you when you were innocent? Couldn't you put up a fight?
Comment Written 20-Feb-2017
reply by the author on 20-Feb-2017
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This was the seventies and a small town. I knew who WAS the pot smoker but wouldn't cooperate with the administration. They had only a student who identified me as a suspect. No one wanted me to thumb my nose at authority and get away with it, but they had no evidence to arrest me. My parents accepted whatever the school decided.
Comment from Mabaker
I often wonder how some men and women actually survive 'bootcamp' or recuite enlistment here in Australia. It's all the same, bloody hard slog from day one. Yeah, you lose blokes, but those that stay turn into something else.
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2017
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I often wonder how some men and women actually survive 'bootcamp' or recuite enlistment here in Australia. It's all the same, bloody hard slog from day one. Yeah, you lose blokes, but those that stay turn into something else.
Comment Written 19-Feb-2017
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2017
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I only knew that I wasn't going to quit until I graduated or left on a gurney.
Comment from kiwigirl2821
Hi Bill. So far a piece like this makes me have to ask, "Was it worth it?" I think many men and women are stronger, fitter and so much finer tuned to life after boot camp which seems to me is legalized physical and mental torture. I remember trying to get into the military when I was a young woman. They said no! I did not have the personality to conform properly or some such. Funny that, all I've ever wanted in life was someone who would let me be their right hand. I always come to you whether I review or not cause I love the way you think. Take care. Nice work. xoxo Kiwi
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2017
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Hi Bill. So far a piece like this makes me have to ask, "Was it worth it?" I think many men and women are stronger, fitter and so much finer tuned to life after boot camp which seems to me is legalized physical and mental torture. I remember trying to get into the military when I was a young woman. They said no! I did not have the personality to conform properly or some such. Funny that, all I've ever wanted in life was someone who would let me be their right hand. I always come to you whether I review or not cause I love the way you think. Take care. Nice work. xoxo Kiwi
Comment Written 19-Feb-2017
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2017
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Thank you, Kiwi, for taking a look at this. I spent twenty years in the Marines and it was a constant challenge. It has made the rest of life's challenges minor in comparison. I'm sorry you didn't get to serve. I hope your life has been full otherwise. Thank you for the kind words. Bill
Comment from Rasmine
Good writing! I wish you luck in the Non-Fiction Writing Contest. I'm glad you graduated. :) Really funny that you had all the pins on the wrong side of the jacket--sounds like me. :)
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2017
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Good writing! I wish you luck in the Non-Fiction Writing Contest. I'm glad you graduated. :) Really funny that you had all the pins on the wrong side of the jacket--sounds like me. :)
Comment Written 19-Feb-2017
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2017
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Thank you, Rasmine, for the kind review. It was forty-four years ago, but the thought of NOT graduating still makes me quiver.
Comment from Donya Quijote
I can relate with your story. After leaving MEPS with flight details, ticket in hand, and dropped off at the airport I and the others with me missed our flight to Orlando, and Navy recruit training. The weather was bad, an ice storm had moved in and the airport announced that our flight had been cancelled. We called the MEPS to tell them what had happened. While doing so apparently the flight took off. We didn't get in trouble but the experience was nerve-racking to say the least. The training is long lasting. I still fold my clothes the way I was trained in bootcamp. Good figure. Good luck in the contest...
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2017
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I can relate with your story. After leaving MEPS with flight details, ticket in hand, and dropped off at the airport I and the others with me missed our flight to Orlando, and Navy recruit training. The weather was bad, an ice storm had moved in and the airport announced that our flight had been cancelled. We called the MEPS to tell them what had happened. While doing so apparently the flight took off. We didn't get in trouble but the experience was nerve-racking to say the least. The training is long lasting. I still fold my clothes the way I was trained in bootcamp. Good figure. Good luck in the contest...
Comment Written 19-Feb-2017
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2017
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Yes, getting to basic training can be hard when they just point you in the direction and hope for the best.
Comment from giraffmang
Hi Bill,
You might want to change the categorisation from 'general Fiction' to non-fiction for this contest entry.
fascinating insight into the Marine selection here. I did basic training for the army, but just sort of ambled my way through. lol
Well written and engaging piece
G
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2017
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Hi Bill,
You might want to change the categorisation from 'general Fiction' to non-fiction for this contest entry.
fascinating insight into the Marine selection here. I did basic training for the army, but just sort of ambled my way through. lol
Well written and engaging piece
G
Comment Written 19-Feb-2017
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2017
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Couldn't find a nonfiction classification. I just left it blank, though it's a nonfiction contest, so I will assume that is a given. Thank you though.
Comment from Phyllis Stewart
Interesting. How did you miss your ship date? Seems to me that would be in the forefront of your mind. Of course they lied to you when they said you could go to jail, as you explained. Not fair, but the the govt lives on lies.
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2017
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Interesting. How did you miss your ship date? Seems to me that would be in the forefront of your mind. Of course they lied to you when they said you could go to jail, as you explained. Not fair, but the the govt lives on lies.
Comment Written 19-Feb-2017
reply by the author on 19-Feb-2017
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After entering the delayed entry program, my cousin and I moved into an apartment in Detroit and partied through the summer, totally blowing off the ship date. They called my brother whom I used to live with and he told my girlfriend. It went from I was AWOL and in trouble to wanted by the law by the time the word got to me. I didn't have to ever ship, but I didn't know that and left immediately.
