I was 17 years old, had lived on my own for over a year, and had just left a good job because of girl troubles. The girl and I worked together, and it was a roller coaster relationship.
One September morning I told my best friend Paul that I was going to join the Marine Corps. Something which I’d not talked about or thought through. Paul said “Let’s go. by God”. So we drove down to the recruiting office in Columbus Ohio.
We were both 17 and had to get our parents (his in Kentucky, mine in Illinois) to agree to it. My mom was a World War 2 Marine, and she said OK. Paul’s mom told me that I had to take care of Paul and keep him alive and out of trouble.
Not long after that a new girl moved into the neighborhood and chased me. I ran faster than she did (I was still ‘in love’ with the girl who’d caused me headaches). So she chased Paul. He married her a couple of weeks before we went active in January 1971.
My (ex) girl and I stayed in touch for my first year or so in the Corps, then I simply stopped writing to her – not very nice on my part. I just didn’t understand our relationship and couldn’t handle it any longer. She married a kid I’d gone to High School with ten years later. I never could figure out how they met – he lived a long way from her, and in a different world.
We worked hard and partied hard for 4 months until we went active. My Marine older brother (Tet Offensive and Khe Sahn) told me how stupid I was to enlist, then took me out drinking.
Both Paul and I were working at a very large cemetery when we enlisted, and our employer was supportive.
The recruiter promised us we’d go through training together but we never served a single day in the same platoon.
Neither of us went to Nam, but both of us served in Japan.
In 2001, I had a bad accident and became disabled. The Veterans Administration became my health insurance, just as the recruiter had promised. The VA has spent far more on me than I ever earned on active duty.
In 2002, Paul got cancer and the VA became his healthcare provider. They did everything he needed until he passed in 2005 at Duke Medical Center.
Hey Kevin – Your title is quite apropos, life IS an adventure and it is fascinating to learn the way things come out. I owe my decision to remain in the Marine Corps partially to a girl who jilted me for another and didn’t even have the guts to write a “Dear John.” I learned of her indiscretion in a letter from my Grandmother. So, after a good drunk I decided to ship-over. One of the best decisions I ever made. Sorry to hear of your accident, yet glad to know that you survived and it sounds like you are thriving. Mourning the loss of a life-long friend is very devastating and difficult to overcome. I know from experience that you feel like a part of your body has been removed and you wonder if you can ever continue to exist. But, life does get better and there are more adventures yet to come. Keep the faith, Brother! Semper Fi!!! Top Pro
Semper fi my brother. I too became disabled – 03 for me š
I served 4 years as an 0331 machine gunner, 2/7 fox and 3/9 50 Cals. I got out late in 1987. Never had to see any action thankfully. After I became a nurse (RN BSN) for the VA hospital in Salt Lake City Utah. The only job I ever applied for, the VA. I am in the computer department side of the hospital now. 30+ years still serving Uncle Sam and my fellow Veterans. Thanks for your service.
It is so important to have veterans working within the VA and all organizations serving us. These folks have an understanding of veterans that allows them to serve us in a unique way!! My new nurse atvtge VA is a Navy veteran and his way of communicating and caring for me is refreshing and encouraging.
Thank you for continuing to serve veterans
Thanks for your letter. Semper Fi and may your buddy Paul rest easy. God Bless you both.
Girls and Marine decisions, WOW. I enlisted in the Navy, told my girl she made mention of Dress Blues and I went the next day and enlisted in the Corps. 2 tours RVN, & 5 1/2 years total wouldnāt change nothing. P/S Never owned a set of BLUESā¦ā¦. Semper Fi, bro&sisā¦ā¦
Kevin,
This could be my story, except I was in from 66 to 69. Joined with a buddy, went to Vietnam, got a āDear Jimā letter, VA has paid for my education and taken care of my health for 40 years, as promised. Semper Fi!