I was a college undergraduate at the time of the first lottery and after drawing No. 38 I was able to defer induction until I graduated. I was drafted in late 1971. After Basic Training and being trained as a combat medic at Fort Sam Houston, Texas I was sent to Germany in May 1972. I tell everyone that I kept the North Vietnamese out of Germany!
I had the time of my life in Germany. I was able to attend the 1972 Olympics in Munich and Octoberfest twice. I traveled all over Europe which was something I dreamed about growing up. I became fairly fluent in German and was the best man for my Swiss grandfather’s second marriage. I met an American girl traveling through Europe, married her after I got out of the Army and have been happily married for 35 years. I used the GI Bill to advance my education and have always felt that I served when needed. No, I didn’t want to go, but it sure changed my life! It was the best thing that ever happened to me!
