Bill, Oregon, 1969. No. 34: The Sword of Damocles

When I headed off to the University of Wisconsin as a freshman in September, 1967, I didn’t know much about Vietnam. My fellow freshmen and I assumed then that by the time we graduated, Vietnam would be behind us. But the war dragged on, and sometime during...

Bob, Florida, 1969. No. 333: Difficult and Strange Times

The first 1969 lottery was a Monday night, broadcast nationally, in December of my sophomore year at the University of Florida. Before I left for class, a number of my fraternity brothers and myself each contributed $10 into a pool, to be...

John, Florida, 1969. The Random Nature of Things

The lottery made me appreciate the random nature of things. I volunteered for the infantry and the Rangers and served overseas for 4+ wonderful fun-filled years. I thought I owed the country at least that much. Some gave a whole lot more. There isn’t a day that...

Fred, Florida, 1969. No. 325: No Need To Flee

I had just entered Grad School at UF the first year of the lottery.  I had a student deferment throughout my undergrad studies but learned that enrollment in Grad School didn’t provide a deferment.  I really didn’t know what I was going to...

Dave, Florida, 1969. No. 3: Remembering the Physical

I was in Atlanta, healing from a car accident when the lottery was done. Once back in college, I learned that there were many resources there to help fail the physical, and many people willing to help. My resolve to flunk the physical was fueled by my...

Andy, Indiana, 1969. No. 3: The Cowboy Doctor

I was a graduate student on a student deferment in Iowa City.  Damn, if my birthdate (Dec. 30th) didn’t come up third!  I immediately got notice to report to Chicago for the physical. Because I was in Iowa, I petitioned for a change of location...