by | Jun 15, 2009 | Stories
I remember the draft lottery vividly. I was 21 and a senior at UCLA. I had a history of activism dating to co-founding at least one BSU and starting my writing career at 18, having delivered many culturally-relevant essays and poetry for a variety of...
by | Jun 15, 2009 | Stories
I registered with my local draft board on March 21, 1969. I was a full-time student at UCLA and consequently was classified II-S. My lottery number was 189. Like many students my age I was opposed to the war, but I was far from radical and believed...
by | Jun 11, 2009 | Stories
This is absolutely true. I graduated UCLA in June, 1969, and was about to start graduate school in September when I received my notice to appear for the pre-induction physical. I knew this was coming — since I had lost my student deferment — but...
by | Jun 10, 2009 | Stories
It was the Spring of 1967 and I was concentrating on graduating from high school. The war was probably the third or fourth thing on my mind. First of all, I wanted some time to play and celebrate graduating before heading off to college for more play and...
by | Jun 7, 2009 | Stories
I was part of the first every lottery, December 1, 1969, if I recall correctly. I was a freshman at UCLA, and had just rushed for Sigma Chi fraternity, Delta Eta chapter. On that night (I seem to recall a Sunday evening), all the brothers in the house gathered as we...
by | Jun 7, 2009 | Stories
I was I-A from having dropped out of college briefly before I transferred to UC Berkley (Bezerkly back then). On the day of the lottery, 5 or 6 friends gathered together to watch. It was like a sports contest with teams of 1. We alternately cheered winners...
