Small world Bob. I too enlisted while a Senior in HS for the delayed enlistment program. Went in right after graduation. I had two trips across the pond. My first was as an enlisted/NCO and the second as an Officer. I made it to Sgt. E-5 and was offered a commission. When it was discovered I was to young to be commissioned they countered with an offer of a promotion to SSG, or OCS (if I could make a plane leaving that afternoon).


I served with the 5th SFGA Mike Force (A-404) and MACVSOG CCC as a Platoon Leader of the Hatchet Force and on Spike Team Florida. A good time was had by all!

After being wounded and returned to the States I made the mistake of going to the Miami VA instead of staying in the Army. I was convinced I'd be one of the first RIFTd so I got out with the intent of obtaining my degree and then going back in. It was only much later that I found my commission had been converted to RA and I wouldn't have been subject to the RIFT after-all! Sure wish I would have known but all has worked out well and I honestly didn't miss the 0500 cross country runs with the 50 lb ruck every day. One thing I do know is that I never would have survived in a conventional unit; especially a leg unit.

Bob,

Just responded to your friend request. Looking forward to learning more about you and eventually meeting you.

Thanks for the request.

Wow, Bob, it is a small world ... thanks for contacting me. And a belated welcome to Jax ... I've been here for 17 years since Barnett Bank gave me the opportunity to move or become unemployed in Columbus. I live in Mandarin, and really do like it here. Going back to my ALO days, I think the only two students I remember from Kendrick and Spencer are Mike Wilson and Scott Boren. Mike was a helo pilot in the Army and retired to Texas as a WO-4. And Scott, who's one of my very best friends, graduated from USAFA, flew KC-135s, and now works for Lockheed-Martin in Dallas. My direct email is tomlokey@aol.com. Hope to run into you sometime.