I was born in 1952 and my lottery year was 1971. Back then I was pretty much directionless. I flunked out of college in 1971 and was employed in a series of dead-end jobs. I was no fan of the war (who was?) but I lacked the initiative to try to evade the draft.
When my induction letter arrived I was in Oklahoma spending the summer with family. I didn’t hesitate at all. I drove to Altus OK and walked into the Navy recruiting office. Fortunately I scored very high on the aptitude tests and was told I was guaranteed (before boot camp) any specialty school I wanted. I spent a couple of hours perusing the various opportunities and eventually chose meteorology.
I was sent to boot camp Oct. 5, 1972. Had no problems with it. Kept my mouth shut and did what I was told. Sure enough after boot I was sent to "AG" (Aerographer’s Mate) school in Lakehurst NJ. Upon graduation I was ranked high in the class and chose orders to go to Bermuda! Spent 2 1/2 years there and 8 months in Charleston. I rose to the rank of AG2 (E5).
Upon discharge I went to the University of Pittsburgh and eventually graduated. The Navy made a man out of me. I will always be proud of my service and grateful for the opportunities the Navy offered me.