Sergeant Grit,
After returning from Vietnam in May 1966 my orders were to report to MCRD San Diego Ca. Upon my arrival I met with a SSGT who decides where to assign you. Looking at my paper work he informed me that I would be assigned to MP Company. Well, I wasn't that excited about the MP's so said to him I'll go but I will ask immediately for a transfer. He asked why and I said you don't want to put me on the gate with a loaded 45.
He began to shuffle his paper work and then informed me that he was sending me to the Post Exchange 4131 and I agreed. I wasn't sure what I would be in for but my thinking was anything but the MP's.
Enclosed are photos from my time under the Post Exchange and my duty was located at receiving barracks at the end of the grinder next to the theater. I had two billets, one above receiving barracks and one located at HQ next to the Generals building at the opposite end of the grinder. I had a lot of time off as I worked two to three days a week and stood no inspections and lived off base in Encinitas.
Life was grand the last half of my time in the Marine Corps. I had to get a job at the EM Club bartending because with so much time off I was spending too much money. The barbers were union and did not work nights or weekends so I would cut the privates hair as in the one of the photos. No training and as it was explained to me (it's just like shearing sheep).
Photos 1 thru 7 are of receiving Barracks taken from May 1966 to January 1968.
Photo #3 is of a private with shoe size 4. Both of his feet are in a size 8. He was taken the main Exchange to the children's department to be fitted.
Photo #1 and #2 is a recruit before and after in the barber shop which was part of receiving barracks.
The last photo is of Jonathon Winters the comedian and former Marine. I am a big fan of Jonathon Winters and while he was there he and the M.Sgt. exchanged places one being the private and the other being the drill instructor. The scene was hilarious as I stood there watching the both of them.
Thanks Sgt. Grit, all the best,
Liam Jones