I thought I was against the war (it was the popular position). When I drew lottery number 63, it seemed like Canada was in my future. But there was this girl named Judy, and I loved her, and she was not interested in Canada.
Then Rocky (friend of Judy’s) and I talked, and with the help of a few pitchers of beer I was off to Platoon Leaders Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia. What an experience. Probably the most concentrated moments of focus, fear, and intimidation in my life. Three years in the Marine Corps as an officer was a positive and happy memory. The lottery changed my life for the better–bet you won’t hear that often.
Best of all, Judy is still with me (in spite of the personality changes from the Marine Corps) 44 years later.