As we get older our memories get jumbled. I remember things that happened, but not the chronological order they were in. This is basically the rest of my Boot Camp memories but not necessarily in the order they happened. Lets start with the Weideman Twins.
As mentioned earlier I first met the Weideman Twins when reporting for active duty. We shared a bathroom at the Hotel the night before processing at AFEES. I want to start by saying that the twins were special guys, they had hearts of gold. They were some of my best friends in Boot Camp, and they looked up to me to help them as a squad leader and friend. And they needed all the help they could get. I guess during Vietnam recruiters were meeting quotas with warm bodies to fill billets. During Boot, we dealt with several men that I do not believe should have been recruited. Among this group were the Weidemen Twins. Do not get me wrong, Rob & Rick tried very hard to become good sailors, and I hope that after boot camp they were able to survive the fleet. Young Sailors was cruel, and the Navy was an extension of High School. If you were different , or not with the in crowd you were heckled and picked on. The twins were not "stupid" by any means, but they did have difficulties learning how to adapt to navy life. Both were probably like the rest of us in the 17-19 year old range, but had led a "sheltered" life. Their family while I do not know that they were "rich", lived in a well to do area of San Diego. Money was not a problem for sure, and they were not "street-wise" . They were innocents, never had girlfriends, never had booze, never been in trouble to speak of. While most of the rest of the company were partiers, Jocks, players, and pretty wild guys.
Everybody liked the twins, and we looked out for them like their big brothers. We took every chance to teach them what they needed to know. We would fold their clothes for them, sit and explain how to tie knots and work with them. On one occasion, they had both gotten gigged on inspection, neither had got
ten a good shave. I had them both in my squad so I had to counsel them on shaving. I came up with a plan!! I told them Rob tomorrow you give Rick a shave, and Rick you shave Rob. That way you can see what you are doing better. Whew problem solved!! I THOUGHT!! The next morning I walked into the head and noticed a small crowd gathering laughing loudly, I looked and there were my twins, Rick & Rob arms intertwined, shaving each other at the same time. It was quite a sight. I stop them, and explained, OK Rob you shave Rick, Rick you stand still and do not move until he is done, and then trade places!!!!!!!
I hope I taught them something, I know I tried, and at times they tried my patience. But I refused to give up and later in boot camp when we were allowed to have visitors, they invited me to meet their parents one evening. They told their folks how much I had done for them and how much the liked me. The parents told me about the twins writing home and bragging on me as their squad leader and friend.
As I look back on that evening it is a great memory. In the end the Twins graduated Boot camp with the rest of the company, and had received orders to the USS Enterprise!! THE BIG "E", l often wonder how they did in the fleet. Did they make it 4 years, heck did they make a career out of it?
I am hoping they both had good lives and somewhere sit and remember me today. Their Friend and Squad Leader...
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Confrontation with RCPO Lyons
RCPO Lyons and I had a problem with each other from day one. He thought because he had a bit of Academy training he was better than the rest of us. His position as head of the company went to his head.
He was forever giving orders, and expecting respect he did not earn. We for the most part felt we had to respect the position but not the man. As I had mentioned earlier, our company was mainly composed of laid back guys. We wanted to survive boot camp and get into the fleet. We were also a group of jokers and pranksters. Often while marching in formation, one of the squad leaders would quietly give a command like "Right turn Harch!" or "Company Halt!" Leaving Lyons marching to his own drummer until he realized he didn't have a company following him. Well one afternoon as we were marching back from a class, one of the Squad Leaders gave the command, "COMPANY, HALF STEP........MARCH!!" Well we went to half-step, and Lyons kept going until hes was a good 75 feet in front of the company! He looked and seen what was going on and returned to us saying "Company....HALT!!" which we did. Well he walked right up to me and said, "I KNOW YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS!!!!!", and pulled my dixie cup of my head and slapped me across the face with it. WHOA NELLIE, Well instinct took over and I grabbed him by the throat, and pushed him up against a wall with his feet dangling and was ready to open a big can O' Whup AZZ on him when the guys started yelling "DICKEY NO!!! Look Up!!" Well I looked up and across the passageway and there were all the guards in Unit 4050 looking out their window. I let Lyons fall to the ground, and walked back to the company and shouted "COMPANY.... FORWARD, ....mar CH!!" quite loudly leaving Lyons lying there until he regained composure and followed us back to the barracks.
ell needless to say Lyons went to the Company Commander and reported my part of the incident, and I found my self in the office. I explained to him about the White Hat part of the story, and he gave it some thought. He did not blame me for what I had done, but he was in a position where a member of his company had assaulted a senior member of the company and he had to "Punish me" for assault on a senior Petty Officer" He also counseled and gave Lyons some small punishment. Your basic punishment in Boot Camp, other than 4050, was a "Marching Party". An afternoon of punishment by exercising for 2 hours and they pushed you hard. You had to wear your sweater and black watch camp to go to the marching party so everyone would know you were in trouble. My punishment was 2 marching parties. But he explained I was to dress for the Marching Party and report there but I would be released and would go to the snack bar until time to return back to my company. He felt I was right in my reaction but I had put him in a bad position, I should have just reported the incident to him.
I went along with it, cussed him for giving me marching parties, and told Lyons He better never hit me again.He avoided any other confrontations with me, and I heard after boot leave that 4 members of the company had caught him in the head at the airport and worked him over pretty good. I do know that after our graduation, while waiting for the go home day, a bunch of US me included threw him into the big empty dumpster locked the doors, and beat the dumpster with anything we had to hit with... Paybacks are a BIT&%
He was forever giving orders, and expecting respect he did not earn. We for the most part felt we had to respect the position but not the man. As I had mentioned earlier, our company was mainly composed of laid back guys. We wanted to survive boot camp and get into the fleet. We were also a group of jokers and pranksters. Often while marching in formation, one of the squad leaders would quietly give a command like "Right turn Harch!" or "Company Halt!" Leaving Lyons marching to his own drummer until he realized he didn't have a company following him. Well one afternoon as we were marching back from a class, one of the Squad Leaders gave the command, "COMPANY, HALF STEP........MARCH!!" Well we went to half-step, and Lyons kept going until hes was a good 75 feet in front of the company! He looked and seen what was going on and returned to us saying "Company....HALT!!" which we did. Well he walked right up to me and said, "I KNOW YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS!!!!!", and pulled my dixie cup of my head and slapped me across the face with it. WHOA NELLIE, Well instinct took over and I grabbed him by the throat, and pushed him up against a wall with his feet dangling and was ready to open a big can O' Whup AZZ on him when the guys started yelling "DICKEY NO!!! Look Up!!" Well I looked up and across the passageway and there were all the guards in Unit 4050 looking out their window. I let Lyons fall to the ground, and walked back to the company and shouted "COMPANY.... FORWARD, ....mar CH!!" quite loudly leaving Lyons lying there until he regained composure and followed us back to the barracks.
ell needless to say Lyons went to the Company Commander and reported my part of the incident, and I found my self in the office. I explained to him about the White Hat part of the story, and he gave it some thought. He did not blame me for what I had done, but he was in a position where a member of his company had assaulted a senior member of the company and he had to "Punish me" for assault on a senior Petty Officer" He also counseled and gave Lyons some small punishment. Your basic punishment in Boot Camp, other than 4050, was a "Marching Party". An afternoon of punishment by exercising for 2 hours and they pushed you hard. You had to wear your sweater and black watch camp to go to the marching party so everyone would know you were in trouble. My punishment was 2 marching parties. But he explained I was to dress for the Marching Party and report there but I would be released and would go to the snack bar until time to return back to my company. He felt I was right in my reaction but I had put him in a bad position, I should have just reported the incident to him.
I went along with it, cussed him for giving me marching parties, and told Lyons He better never hit me again.He avoided any other confrontations with me, and I heard after boot leave that 4 members of the company had caught him in the head at the airport and worked him over pretty good. I do know that after our graduation, while waiting for the go home day, a bunch of US me included threw him into the big empty dumpster locked the doors, and beat the dumpster with anything we had to hit with... Paybacks are a BIT&%
Friday, June 17, 2011
Off to secondary training.
The rest of primary training was pretty uneventful. We studied, practiced marching, got further checkups, and got to know each other. Friendships were made that I can still remember, many of us started writing our shipmates sisters. I wrote to Mike Deason's sister in Sagus Ca, and to Bruce Mosslett's sister in Minnesota. It was great to get mail at mail call. I never did get to meet either girl in person, but enjoyed my time corresponding with them. I think about them often and wonder what they are doing today. I also made friends with the many Filipino guys in our company, they were on their way to be cooks or stewards mates, the only ratings they were allowed to take at the time. Once in the fleet they could "cross rate" and many of them became things other than cooks and servants lol. Many of them spoke only broken English, and it was interesting to learn of their culture. There were also a couple of guys from the Island of Guam. and I did some corresponding with one of their sisters as well.
I do not remember how long primary lasted, maybe 4 weeks, and then we went over the bridge to secondary training. We had made it this far, were issued our White uniforms, and the Sailors Badge of Honor, or "White Hat" also know affectionately as our "Dixie Cup". We were no longer classified as "Squirrels" . We packed our Sea Bags, and marched to our new barracks closer to the classrooms and the mess hall. Our training continued, and although I cannot say for sure the timeline many things happened on the secondary training side of the bridge. Lyons kept his better than thou- I am in charge attitude, and made many enemies. We exchanged shaving cream wars with company 343. Seems they attacked our Company commanders office with shaving cream grenades, so we returned the favor. But instead of hitting the small office we tossed multiple shaving cream grenades through the open windows of their barracks. LOL made a huge mess.
One day while waiting for lunch, our company yeoman approached me and asked "Hey Dickey does Rice's smell offend you too?" It seems our APO1 was not the cleanest sailor in the fleet. His lack of hygiene did not go unnoticed, and I told Steve I would call a squad leaders meeting that evening to discuss it. Steve attended the meeting and a plan was formed. The next day was Rice's turn to report for company muster in the evening, reporting to brigade that all were present and accounted for. While he was gone, my squad took 4 galvanized trash cans into the shower and filled them with cold water. The Squad leaders sat on the steps to the barracks waiting for him to return from muster. As he came up the stairs, we all six grabbed him and carried him to the shower, taking anything that would get damaged out of his pockets and removing his shoes. We entered the gang shower with all shower heads spraying full force, and took our scrub brushes that we used to wash our clothes, and began his cleaning. We scrubbed his clothes, and removed them down to his scivvies, and scrubbed his body as well. The guys with the trash cans full of cold water dumped them over the pack, and we gave him a good shower. After it was over we told him it would happen again if he refused to take care of himself. No one reported this to the Company Commander and life was good..
I do not remember how long primary lasted, maybe 4 weeks, and then we went over the bridge to secondary training. We had made it this far, were issued our White uniforms, and the Sailors Badge of Honor, or "White Hat" also know affectionately as our "Dixie Cup". We were no longer classified as "Squirrels" . We packed our Sea Bags, and marched to our new barracks closer to the classrooms and the mess hall. Our training continued, and although I cannot say for sure the timeline many things happened on the secondary training side of the bridge. Lyons kept his better than thou- I am in charge attitude, and made many enemies. We exchanged shaving cream wars with company 343. Seems they attacked our Company commanders office with shaving cream grenades, so we returned the favor. But instead of hitting the small office we tossed multiple shaving cream grenades through the open windows of their barracks. LOL made a huge mess.
One day while waiting for lunch, our company yeoman approached me and asked "Hey Dickey does Rice's smell offend you too?" It seems our APO1 was not the cleanest sailor in the fleet. His lack of hygiene did not go unnoticed, and I told Steve I would call a squad leaders meeting that evening to discuss it. Steve attended the meeting and a plan was formed. The next day was Rice's turn to report for company muster in the evening, reporting to brigade that all were present and accounted for. While he was gone, my squad took 4 galvanized trash cans into the shower and filled them with cold water. The Squad leaders sat on the steps to the barracks waiting for him to return from muster. As he came up the stairs, we all six grabbed him and carried him to the shower, taking anything that would get damaged out of his pockets and removing his shoes. We entered the gang shower with all shower heads spraying full force, and took our scrub brushes that we used to wash our clothes, and began his cleaning. We scrubbed his clothes, and removed them down to his scivvies, and scrubbed his body as well. The guys with the trash cans full of cold water dumped them over the pack, and we gave him a good shower. After it was over we told him it would happen again if he refused to take care of himself. No one reported this to the Company Commander and life was good..
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Boot Camp Primary Side.
Once we had gotten our checkups, haircuts, and uniforms. We had taken our GCT, and formed into a basic company. And we had been introduced to our Company Commander, Commisaryman First Class, Pippen, Company petty officers were chosen. First Recruit Chief Petty Officer. CS1 Pippen asked if anyone had had prior Naval service, and Recruit Lyons stepped forward, he had been a midshipman at the Naval Academy but failed academically and was dropped, because of this "prior service" Recruit Lyons became RCPO Lyons. The RCPO was responsible for the entire company and right below the Company Commander in rank. Lyons was a short chubby rosy cheeked young man, and took his position seriously. The next position was RPO1, 2nd in command, and a guy named Rice was chosen for this position. Then the Guidon carrier and company Yeoman (Secretary) The only Black man in the company was chosen to be guidon bearer, Herbert Andrews from Florida, he was a great choice, and a fine gentleman. He and I became good friends. Steve Harabedian was chosen Yeoman. Then the 6 squad leaders were chosen. Steve was also a great guy and we became good friends during boot camp..
I had not volunteered nor been asked to take a position and was fine to be just a member of the company. But that would change shortly. We were moved to our barracks on the Primary Training side of the base, across the channel from the secondary and advanced training area. We started attending classes on Naval History, Rank and recognition, knot tying, and other aspects of Naval Life to prepare us for the Fleet. We were issued or rifles, and each morning after breakfast we were taken to the grinder and given physical training and learned to march and workout with our rifles. We learned the 9 count and 16 count rifle drills, and basically trained for our graduation parade. Our company was not the greatest at marching and drill. Almost every morning as we passed in review in front of the grandstand we would hear the call "Company 341 bring 'em around again" which meant we hadn't done very well and needed more practice. I do not believe a day passed without hearing that at least once.
After being released from the grinder, we commenced the days classes. some classroom and some on the grinder learning basic marching orders, Right Turn, company mark time, half-step, double time, things of that nature.
Maybe a week or so into primary training, my life would change. Our first squad leader had decided he wasn't cut out for the Navy and tried to desert. He snuck out of the barracks, and swam the channel to escape, but the other side of that channel was secondary training and the Shore Patrol was there waiting to arrest him when he crawled ashore. He was taken to the Recruit Brig, Unit 4050, and eventually given a mental discharge. We ran across him for a short time during his stay at 4050, as they were marched from place to place, they were forced to wear Pink sailor hats and had Prisoner stenciled on their shirts. They also had to stomp their left foot as they marched and were given hard labor chores to do. Unit 4050 will be mentioned again in the course of my boot camp story.
At this point, CS1 Pippen came to me to discuss my GCT test scores and mention that he felt I would make a good replacement for the First squad leader. I reluctantly agreed to assume the position, and their I was front left corner of the company, right behind Steve, and responsible for the training of of up to 9 other recruits. Including the Weideman Twins. It is with the greatest respect that I say The twins were great guys, I still love them to death, but to put it nicely they were not the brightest bulbs in the pack. They were proud to be sailors, and wanted to do everything right but they had a few problems. LOL and I was to make sure they graduated with the rest of us. And they did!!!!!
Primary companies were distinguished from secondary companies by the fact that we wore our blue utility ball caps, and they wore the Official "US Navy Dixie Cup" it was a mark of honor when we were issued our white hats, we had made it halfway to graduation. And with primary companies you would hear them called "squirrels" quite often. As they would still be learning to stand still in formation, and wiggling around a lot.
We had many inspections, first at company level, then at muster where brigade would inspect us. It was during one of these inspections that I started losing respect for RCPO Lyons. I was being inspected and the inspector decided my ears were dirty, he called Lyons over and said look at that you could grow a potato in there. Lyons being the kiss ass he was replied "Yes Sir a good Irish Potato Sir. Lyons let his position go to his head, actually thought it made him better than the rest of us, which would cause him problems later. As squad leaders myself and 5 others were responsible for making sure our squads were prepared for inspection One day the entire company failed, CS1 Pippen was not happy and decided to punish the squad leaders for their failure. I am sure he thought "piss the leaders off and they will get tough on their squads" Well the entire company was formed at the foot of our bunks, and the squad leaders asked to step forward. The rest of the company was then allowed to sit and rest while we were made to tie 2 rifles together butt to muzzle, this became an 18 pound workout tool. We stood in the middle of the barracks doing our workout by the count, 1. Rifles across our chest, 2 straight out fully extending our arms and holding it until the count of 3 rifles back across the chest 4. 5 rifles above our heads arms straight , 6 back to chest, 7 arms extended to the right, 8 back to chest, 9 arms fully extended to the left, and start over . This went on for a good 30-45 minutes. And his plan had worked for the moment we were not happy and were ready to chew butt on our squads. But we all got to thinking and had a squad leaders only meeting. We discussed the events of the day and came to the conclusion we were being "Brainwashed" lol We decided to take a different approach and just talk to our squads and explain to them we had to do good for 12 weeks and it would be better "In The Fleet" Instead of getting pushy with those that would be our shipmates in the future, we talked them through it. This worked and we were soon passing inspections regularly. It turns out that our company was "different" than the others, ours mostly just wanted to get boot over with, while the others strived to be the "BEST" We strived to survive, not to gain ribbons, special flags, or streamers on our company flag. We graduated right along with the "meatball" companies but our guidon was bare except for the 2 silver diamonds that represented the entire company had bought US Savings Bonds. LOL We won no competitions, physical or mental, we just did our job and survived boot camp. And we had a great time doing it.
I had not volunteered nor been asked to take a position and was fine to be just a member of the company. But that would change shortly. We were moved to our barracks on the Primary Training side of the base, across the channel from the secondary and advanced training area. We started attending classes on Naval History, Rank and recognition, knot tying, and other aspects of Naval Life to prepare us for the Fleet. We were issued or rifles, and each morning after breakfast we were taken to the grinder and given physical training and learned to march and workout with our rifles. We learned the 9 count and 16 count rifle drills, and basically trained for our graduation parade. Our company was not the greatest at marching and drill. Almost every morning as we passed in review in front of the grandstand we would hear the call "Company 341 bring 'em around again" which meant we hadn't done very well and needed more practice. I do not believe a day passed without hearing that at least once.
After being released from the grinder, we commenced the days classes. some classroom and some on the grinder learning basic marching orders, Right Turn, company mark time, half-step, double time, things of that nature.
Maybe a week or so into primary training, my life would change. Our first squad leader had decided he wasn't cut out for the Navy and tried to desert. He snuck out of the barracks, and swam the channel to escape, but the other side of that channel was secondary training and the Shore Patrol was there waiting to arrest him when he crawled ashore. He was taken to the Recruit Brig, Unit 4050, and eventually given a mental discharge. We ran across him for a short time during his stay at 4050, as they were marched from place to place, they were forced to wear Pink sailor hats and had Prisoner stenciled on their shirts. They also had to stomp their left foot as they marched and were given hard labor chores to do. Unit 4050 will be mentioned again in the course of my boot camp story.
At this point, CS1 Pippen came to me to discuss my GCT test scores and mention that he felt I would make a good replacement for the First squad leader. I reluctantly agreed to assume the position, and their I was front left corner of the company, right behind Steve, and responsible for the training of of up to 9 other recruits. Including the Weideman Twins. It is with the greatest respect that I say The twins were great guys, I still love them to death, but to put it nicely they were not the brightest bulbs in the pack. They were proud to be sailors, and wanted to do everything right but they had a few problems. LOL and I was to make sure they graduated with the rest of us. And they did!!!!!
Primary companies were distinguished from secondary companies by the fact that we wore our blue utility ball caps, and they wore the Official "US Navy Dixie Cup" it was a mark of honor when we were issued our white hats, we had made it halfway to graduation. And with primary companies you would hear them called "squirrels" quite often. As they would still be learning to stand still in formation, and wiggling around a lot.
We had many inspections, first at company level, then at muster where brigade would inspect us. It was during one of these inspections that I started losing respect for RCPO Lyons. I was being inspected and the inspector decided my ears were dirty, he called Lyons over and said look at that you could grow a potato in there. Lyons being the kiss ass he was replied "Yes Sir a good Irish Potato Sir. Lyons let his position go to his head, actually thought it made him better than the rest of us, which would cause him problems later. As squad leaders myself and 5 others were responsible for making sure our squads were prepared for inspection One day the entire company failed, CS1 Pippen was not happy and decided to punish the squad leaders for their failure. I am sure he thought "piss the leaders off and they will get tough on their squads" Well the entire company was formed at the foot of our bunks, and the squad leaders asked to step forward. The rest of the company was then allowed to sit and rest while we were made to tie 2 rifles together butt to muzzle, this became an 18 pound workout tool. We stood in the middle of the barracks doing our workout by the count, 1. Rifles across our chest, 2 straight out fully extending our arms and holding it until the count of 3 rifles back across the chest 4. 5 rifles above our heads arms straight , 6 back to chest, 7 arms extended to the right, 8 back to chest, 9 arms fully extended to the left, and start over . This went on for a good 30-45 minutes. And his plan had worked for the moment we were not happy and were ready to chew butt on our squads. But we all got to thinking and had a squad leaders only meeting. We discussed the events of the day and came to the conclusion we were being "Brainwashed" lol We decided to take a different approach and just talk to our squads and explain to them we had to do good for 12 weeks and it would be better "In The Fleet" Instead of getting pushy with those that would be our shipmates in the future, we talked them through it. This worked and we were soon passing inspections regularly. It turns out that our company was "different" than the others, ours mostly just wanted to get boot over with, while the others strived to be the "BEST" We strived to survive, not to gain ribbons, special flags, or streamers on our company flag. We graduated right along with the "meatball" companies but our guidon was bare except for the 2 silver diamonds that represented the entire company had bought US Savings Bonds. LOL We won no competitions, physical or mental, we just did our job and survived boot camp. And we had a great time doing it.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Boot Camp, Recieving and Outftting.
The first morning of boot camp was something out of an old movie, a cross between a war movie and a horror movie LOL... It began around 4 AM, people came rushing in with night sticks, pounding on trash cans and screaming get your AZZEZ out of bed, let's go NOW. we all came flying out of bed, and dressed and assembled outside, all the time people yelling and rushing us.. Man what had I done? They formed us into an assemlance of ranks, and started barking commands. Left Face!! Your other left Squirrel!! Stand Straight!!! Now you bunch of Squirrels we are going to Take you to Breakfast, see if you can keep up!!!!! FORWARD MARCH!! we crossed the base and were placed on the blacktop parking lot in front of the chow hall. Excuse me the "MESS HALL" in Navy talk.. and the blacktop was the “Grinder” a proper name for the practice parade grounds to be sure. Many of use were afraid to move and made the mistake of locking our legs and started to feel faint. They took us and sit us down with our heads between our knees, I was wondering if I should kiss my butt goodbye while I had the chance. After Chow, we were taken to what they called Receiving and Outfitting! "R&O". Here we were given our first haircuts, and yes they took it all off. They particularly liked getting the long haired guys in there. LOL I had been warned so I had a regular haircut when I reported. In R&O They also gave us our first shots and did check ups and issued us our first uniforms. And we took our General Classification Tests. These were our utilities or "Dungarees" Blue chambray shirts, and Blue denim pants, and our military issue underwear..
Our civilian clothes were packed and shipped home and we became official US Navy Seaman Recruits. Between checkups and clothes issues we began our indoctrination into Naval Service.
I do not remember how many days we were in R&O, but it was a few. I do remember we had started to make friends before our first haircut which I think was day 3, and after with our shaven heads we had to re introduce ourselves, we all looked so different. We were now Recruit Training Company 67-341, and there beside me in the ranks were the Weideman Twins, Richard and Robert. They were great guys, although a bit different, and we became good friends through boot camp. After R&O, we were formed up and taken to Primary Training, across the bridge. By this time we had the basic formation down and could look like something of a company while marching. But we were still called squirrels constantly because we still moved around in ranks, chatting and looking around!! This is where we had our Recruit Chief Petty Officer, Assistant Company Petty Officer ,Squad Leaders Yeoman, Guidon Bearer, and other company leaders assigned. I felt I was lucky because I was just another recruit.
I had no desire to be a company leader. I wanted to get Boot over with and get to the Fleet, board a ship and see the world!! Exotic places called my name, and most of all I wanted to do my service and return to my little corner of the world. I had never given a career in the Navy much thought, just wanted to serve my time and return to being a civilian.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Waiting for Boot Camp
After all charges were dropped in my confrontation with the law. I did what everybody else was doing. Of course I worked almost everyday, and hung around with Meredith and Wayne at night. On Sunday after noons we had the drags out at the old navy base, lots of good cars would show there. In fact we actually had a few big name racers compete on special days. Gas Rhonda, was there once and a special car from the Service Center in LA, "Peanuts". the car was a fiberglass bodied Ford galaxy, but was unique in that it was a four door not a two door. It turns out the body was made to shoot a commercial high on a hilltop in the middle of no where, I believe in the monument valley. And had to be put up there by helicopter. After filming the body was acquired by the service center and made into a drag racer.
When we had a day off we would have Hot Dog Roast out at "Wienie Roast Hill" near the old navy base. This sand hill was a popular place, used by church groups and families to have a good time. It was just off the old runway, and the sand was packed on the road out to it so plain cars could get out there. the hill itself was a 20 foot or so tall sand hill sticking up in the middle of no where. We would play games, do some sand surfing and just visit with friends.
Other times we would "drag main" in El Centro, Start on the west side at Fosters Freeze, down main to 4 corners turn around at Bakers Burgers, and go back. All the time shouting and laughing. Hollering at the other cars and folks along the street. Many nights were spent with my girlfriend at the time Beverly Davidson. She was a year older and we had many good times. But we parted ways when I was going into the Navy. I didn't want to tie her down or be tied down for four years.
A few weeks before I was to report to AFEES, I ran a red light hitting a pickup, and totalled my dad's 58 Ford. My cousin Meredith and I took a Farmall "H" Tractor to the accident scene and pulled the car back to the house, and my sister Pat came and picked me up until we could call dad and let him know. To say the least he was quite upset, but I survived.
Finally the day came and I boarded the Greyhound for Los Angeles, and AFEES I spent the night in a hotel, and the next morning I reported in to become an active duty sailor. I was asked if I had gotten into any trouble while waiting to report, and told them about my incident with the law. The Petty Officer asked what the out come was and I told the truth as I understood it, the Charge were dropped so I could continue into the Navy. Well that did not set well with them, and I had to talk to the Officer in Charge, He listened to my story and said, well if the reason charges were dropped for to allow me to get into the Navy, then that wasn't good enough and the Navy would not take me. He sent me back to the Hotel for another night and told me to report to him the next morning. That was where I met the Wiedeman Twins, which are another part of the story later.
The next morning I reported to the O in C, and was informed that according to court records charges were dropped because of "Lack of Evidence" I said OK and he sent me out to be processed and began my Tour for Duty with the United States Navy. Late that afternoon I along with the Weideman Twins, and several other sailors were bussed to Naval Training Center, Recruit Training Command, San Diego California. It was dusk when we arrived, and the NTC Band was marching along the road in perfect formation, as we passed we heard the cry "You'll Be Sorry!!" from one of the band members. We were taken to a barracks where we would spend our first night as Sailors!!!
When we had a day off we would have Hot Dog Roast out at "Wienie Roast Hill" near the old navy base. This sand hill was a popular place, used by church groups and families to have a good time. It was just off the old runway, and the sand was packed on the road out to it so plain cars could get out there. the hill itself was a 20 foot or so tall sand hill sticking up in the middle of no where. We would play games, do some sand surfing and just visit with friends.
Other times we would "drag main" in El Centro, Start on the west side at Fosters Freeze, down main to 4 corners turn around at Bakers Burgers, and go back. All the time shouting and laughing. Hollering at the other cars and folks along the street. Many nights were spent with my girlfriend at the time Beverly Davidson. She was a year older and we had many good times. But we parted ways when I was going into the Navy. I didn't want to tie her down or be tied down for four years.
A few weeks before I was to report to AFEES, I ran a red light hitting a pickup, and totalled my dad's 58 Ford. My cousin Meredith and I took a Farmall "H" Tractor to the accident scene and pulled the car back to the house, and my sister Pat came and picked me up until we could call dad and let him know. To say the least he was quite upset, but I survived.
Finally the day came and I boarded the Greyhound for Los Angeles, and AFEES I spent the night in a hotel, and the next morning I reported in to become an active duty sailor. I was asked if I had gotten into any trouble while waiting to report, and told them about my incident with the law. The Petty Officer asked what the out come was and I told the truth as I understood it, the Charge were dropped so I could continue into the Navy. Well that did not set well with them, and I had to talk to the Officer in Charge, He listened to my story and said, well if the reason charges were dropped for to allow me to get into the Navy, then that wasn't good enough and the Navy would not take me. He sent me back to the Hotel for another night and told me to report to him the next morning. That was where I met the Wiedeman Twins, which are another part of the story later.
The next morning I reported to the O in C, and was informed that according to court records charges were dropped because of "Lack of Evidence" I said OK and he sent me out to be processed and began my Tour for Duty with the United States Navy. Late that afternoon I along with the Weideman Twins, and several other sailors were bussed to Naval Training Center, Recruit Training Command, San Diego California. It was dusk when we arrived, and the NTC Band was marching along the road in perfect formation, as we passed we heard the cry "You'll Be Sorry!!" from one of the band members. We were taken to a barracks where we would spend our first night as Sailors!!!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Veteran of the US Navy
I joined the US Navy in February 1967 under a plan that allowed me to be inactive reserve for 120 days before reporting to boot camp. This allowed me to gain "Time in service" towards pay raises and such things. I went to AFEES in Los Angeles, and took my physical, and exams and was sworn in as a member of the United States Navy. My decision to join the Navy was based on the Vietnam Conflict, many of my friends had been drafted and I did not want to go into the Jungle so choose Navy for my Service to Country. Plus I needed a secure way to leave home and still survive. I then went home and waited to report to duty. I was employed at the time by Holtville Alfalfa Mills Inc. a tractor operator, I had been there since September 1966. It was a low paying job but it was an income. I did not like the fact that it was 7 days a week, and wanted something better.
During my wait to report, I ran afoul of the law, A friend and I went out and managed to get a guy to buy us a couple of 6-packs and commenced to get drunk. Both of us trying to impress the other with our badness, we went on a vandalizing spree. As I look back on what we did I am totally ashamed that I had any part of it. We poked holes in the radiators of a couple of Caterpillar tractors, dumped oil and diesel in irrigation water, and just were complete a-holes. We also stole a few things and had them in the backseat of my 56 Ford. During our spree of stupidity, we had picked up 2 Coleman camping lanterns and a can of fuel. No doubt the property of the irrigator we ran across later. My friend decided he wanted the irrigator's wrist watch, and we were wanting to trade the lanterns and fuel for the watch. Well due to the language barrier the gentleman thought we were going to burn him and his car if we didn't get the watch. We left the lanterns and fuel with him and left with the watch. I took my friend home and headed back to Holtville. Just before the city limits, near the Alamo River, I was surrounded with law enforcement. Pistols and shotguns drawn they placed me under arrest. I was booked on felony strong arm robbery. This was 4:00 am sat morning, and I remained incarcerated until Wednesday.
My Dad had always said you get in trouble, get yourself out!! So I called to let him know where I was and did not ask for help. During my time in the felony tank. I had lots to occupy my mind. I was in the cell with many felons, including "The Arizona Gunman" that had went on a robbery, killing spree around the area until he got caught. He and another guy were going up on the three strikes deal. Both knew they would be going to Chino State prison and sit and talked with me about prison. They had me convinced that I was going to Chino, and described the condition's there. They told me to get assigned to the prison farm, as that is where they would be and they would help me break-out with them. I was scared, I did not want to be in prison. They treated me like I was going to get a long sentence, and as I look back nit they were trying to scare me to straighten up if I got the chance.
The county sheriff took a liking to me, and although they had all they needed to convict, he gave my friend and I a chance to get our crap together. After Talking to him he decided we were just stupid kids and deserved another chance so all charges were dropped. God had his hand on me that day. The sheriff had me brought to his office many times, one occasion they had busted some underage drinkers at the lake and we watched through his door as the teenage girls in bikinis were booked and released to their parents. At one point the jailer joked that he was going to wear out a pair of shoes transporting me to the sheriff's office. Going for arraignment, I was handcuffed to a rather large man of African-American descent. He said If I start running you best keep up!!!, I simply said if you start running you will have to drag or carry me cause I ain't running no where with armed guards around!!!
On Wednesday a bail bondsman came and talked to me about bond, I had half the money, and would have the other half on Friday, so he arranged my bail. He drove me to the field where the company was working and got the payment from my Dad who was holding my money for me. I never found out who arranged the bondsman, but it was one of three, My Dad, My Uncle Andrew,or the Sheriff himself. After one court appearance, the charges were drooped and I was cleared to go into the Navy.
During my wait to report, I ran afoul of the law, A friend and I went out and managed to get a guy to buy us a couple of 6-packs and commenced to get drunk. Both of us trying to impress the other with our badness, we went on a vandalizing spree. As I look back on what we did I am totally ashamed that I had any part of it. We poked holes in the radiators of a couple of Caterpillar tractors, dumped oil and diesel in irrigation water, and just were complete a-holes. We also stole a few things and had them in the backseat of my 56 Ford. During our spree of stupidity, we had picked up 2 Coleman camping lanterns and a can of fuel. No doubt the property of the irrigator we ran across later. My friend decided he wanted the irrigator's wrist watch, and we were wanting to trade the lanterns and fuel for the watch. Well due to the language barrier the gentleman thought we were going to burn him and his car if we didn't get the watch. We left the lanterns and fuel with him and left with the watch. I took my friend home and headed back to Holtville. Just before the city limits, near the Alamo River, I was surrounded with law enforcement. Pistols and shotguns drawn they placed me under arrest. I was booked on felony strong arm robbery. This was 4:00 am sat morning, and I remained incarcerated until Wednesday.
My Dad had always said you get in trouble, get yourself out!! So I called to let him know where I was and did not ask for help. During my time in the felony tank. I had lots to occupy my mind. I was in the cell with many felons, including "The Arizona Gunman" that had went on a robbery, killing spree around the area until he got caught. He and another guy were going up on the three strikes deal. Both knew they would be going to Chino State prison and sit and talked with me about prison. They had me convinced that I was going to Chino, and described the condition's there. They told me to get assigned to the prison farm, as that is where they would be and they would help me break-out with them. I was scared, I did not want to be in prison. They treated me like I was going to get a long sentence, and as I look back nit they were trying to scare me to straighten up if I got the chance.
The county sheriff took a liking to me, and although they had all they needed to convict, he gave my friend and I a chance to get our crap together. After Talking to him he decided we were just stupid kids and deserved another chance so all charges were dropped. God had his hand on me that day. The sheriff had me brought to his office many times, one occasion they had busted some underage drinkers at the lake and we watched through his door as the teenage girls in bikinis were booked and released to their parents. At one point the jailer joked that he was going to wear out a pair of shoes transporting me to the sheriff's office. Going for arraignment, I was handcuffed to a rather large man of African-American descent. He said If I start running you best keep up!!!, I simply said if you start running you will have to drag or carry me cause I ain't running no where with armed guards around!!!
On Wednesday a bail bondsman came and talked to me about bond, I had half the money, and would have the other half on Friday, so he arranged my bail. He drove me to the field where the company was working and got the payment from my Dad who was holding my money for me. I never found out who arranged the bondsman, but it was one of three, My Dad, My Uncle Andrew,or the Sheriff himself. After one court appearance, the charges were drooped and I was cleared to go into the Navy.
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