As an NCSU freshman, everyone I knew at school was there on a student deferment. Everyone on our floor in the dorm gathered to listen to the radio as the lottery numbers were drawn. Tensions were high for all as everyone knew the dangers involved in what was becoming an increasingly unpopular war.
My relief over a high number was tempered by a sense of sadness over several friends’ relatively low numbers. One of my best friends drew No. 3 and was drafted within a month or two. He got a medical deferment at his draft physical.
Since the mid-70’s I have strongly felt that I should have volunteered and/or that all healthy men should serve at least a couple of years in the military after completing their education. It would be good for the country and good for the men who served.