by | Nov 11, 2016 | Stories
When I entered college in 1965 I knew that no war in our history had lasted over 5 years, and was convinced that Vietnam would not either. Surely I could nurse a II-S deferment for that long. I’d graduate and live happily ever after! Well, that...
by | Nov 7, 2016 | Stories
I was a senior student at the University of Missouri in the fall of 1969 and was due to graduate in May of 1970 thereby losing my college exemption. On lottery night I went with all my other Sigma Nu fraternity senior brothers to our favorite beer joint in...
by | Oct 25, 2016 | Stories
My friends and I met at the Heidelburg Tavern to watch the drawing on TV. I went to college because I was able to get a student deferment. When they did away with that, it was the lottery that protected me. My number that night was 274 and I was happy...
by | Oct 9, 2016 | Stories
The evening of the first lottery drawing, I was listening to the radio in my apartment while shaving and showering in preparation for a date with my wife-to-be, Carol. I thought I’d heard my birth date announced very early, but I wasn’t sure. ...
by | Sep 17, 2016 | Stories
Vietnam conscription was my negative reinforcement to remain in college, not drop out in my sophomore year on account of indecision. When I graduated high school 1965 it was with honors and a full scholarship to VMI (VA Military Institute) if I wanted it. Because of...
