A Lesson I learned In The U.S. Army

 I don’t know why but I got to thinking about this morning as I sat on my patio, drinking coffee, and contemplating what’s happening to all of us these days.

Back in December of 1970, when I was in basic training at Fort Campbell Kentucky,  I was selected from my company to be the orderly for the Commanding General for a day.  This was quite an honor, really, as only a select few are ever chosen for this.  There is a semi-interesting story behind it which I’ve posted below.  I've also posted a copy of one of the letters of commendation that I received. This one from General Birdsong himself.

Ok....here’s what happened.   We had a big inspection one day and I along with four others from our Company were selected from that inspection to go to some impressive looking building near the Fort headquarters to be interviewed by a group of junior officers (most of them lieutenants, as I recall).  When I was interviewed I was asked questions about my background, my education, etc.  Then I was asked a few questions about various things, but I really can't remember any more just what kind of questions.....might have been about history, the military, etc...I just don't know.   Finally I was asked my opinion of the War.  Viet Nam was going strong right then, as you know.  I remember thinking that it might be a good idea to fake it for these military guys and act real gung ho, but I didn't.  I told them exactly what I thought of the war...basically that I felt that we had no business being involved in it in the first place, etc. etc. I was pretty sure after that that they would quickly send me back to my company...or court martial me.   

After the interview was over I was asked to wait, along with the other guys in an outer room.  After a short time I was called back into the room where a young 1st Lieutenant congratulated me and told me that I had been selected to be the Orderly for a day for the Commanding General of Fort Campbell.  He said that I was chosen because of my honesty.  (I suspect the other guys tried to impress with their "gung ho-ness")  He said that my willingness to be honest was a sign of my personal integrity.  I've always remembered that, and it re-enforced for me that it's always important to be true to yourself, to be real, and to stand up for what you believe in.