I joined the Army on Oct 17 1968. I had just turned 17 years old. The recruiter asked what I would like to be. At this time I had no idea. His eyes started to glow. He talked about men and their choppers. Asked if I wanted to be in Aviation. I went to Fort Ord, California for basic training . I would be part of Company D ,5th Battalion, 1st Brigade.
After Basic I would receive orders for Fort Rucker. There I would take AIT training 67N20. After 11 weeks I would be separated from my class. Most would receive orders for VietNam. I was still too young to go. So I stayed behind to become a instructor for the next seven months.
In Oct of 1969, I received orders for VietNam. Upon arriving in country I would be assigned to the 119th Assault Helicopter Company. I will never forget that day. Others waited to catch a flight to their new company. I said goodbye to Bill . The clerk pointed to the North. Just go across the active and you will find the 119th on the other side.
I started in Maintanance. There I would stay for the next few weeks. Then I would get a chance to join the flight Platoon. For the next four months, I would fly the friendly skies of VietNam.I would end my time with the 119th as a TI on the night shift. Co.