[Racer Duck]

Originally Posted by Bette

Yes, you and simon explained very well. I also forgot about the draft.

that's natural. back then the draft was not something that shook up a girl's life. for us guys, it was a necessary part of daily life that we had to plan our lives around, but not one we looked always forward to.

when a friend who was 2 months older than me got his draft notice, I knew mine would be coming soon. so I decided which branch of the service I really wanted to be in and joined up.

we who were affected by the draft call it "branch of the service" not "branch of the military" because, to us, it was required "service" to our country, kinda like the old saying "no work, no eat."

my dad was a career Air Force Master Sargent, but the Air Force was not my cup of tea. neither was the Army. I can only surmise because my grandfather had been in the Danish Navy, was shanghaied into the Russian Navy, and did time in the US Coast Guard, that I had some saltwater in my veins. I joined the NAVY. I have never regretted my choice, probably 'cause it was a good time in my life with lots of good memories (even though it was during the early days of the Viet Nam war) and I learned a lot about being a man, about life and duty to country that may not have come as easily (or ever) had I never served.

sometimes I think a little dose of military life is what our younger generations need to set their compass. I'm proud to say my youngest grandson, just a sophomore in high school, recently told us he has decided to go into the military after graduation, instead of college. the kid is a straight A student and will easily get an academic scholarship, so why not college? his reasoning: #1, he wants to work on airplanes. #2, he'll use his military service to pay for college. the kid may be smarter than I thought he was!!!

[Bette]

Originally Posted by Racer Duck

that's natural. back then the draft was not something that shook up a girl's life. for us guys, it was a necessary part of daily life that we had to plan our lives around, but not one we looked always forward to.
sometimes I think a little dose of military life is what our younger generations need to set their compass. !

Draft was part of my life because I had family members in. I remember the incredible anguish. I was so happy when they returned.

I dont think military life would hurt our younger generations at all.
This has turned out to be one of the best threads we have had.
Even if it was in the Nascar forum. (this is directed at LSC and Racer Duck only.)

[vincesanity82]

Originally Posted by Bette

Draft was part of my life because I had family members in. I remember the incredible anguish. I was so happy when they returned.

I dont think military life would hurt our younger generations at all.
This has turned out to be one of the best threads we have had.
Even if it was in the Nascar forum. (this is directed at LSC and Racer Duck only.)

my dad knew he was gonna be drafted to vietnam so he just signed up..he was really messed up when he came back, but I have a great relationship with him today, I can still remember watching platoon with him for the first time..quite emotional..