f 1987 I was working a dead end job as a clerk in a 24-hour convenience store, killing time so to speak. I was also taking a course at a junior college just to say I was in college. On my way back from class I drove by and saw a National Guard Armory that had a self-propelled howitzer on display. I stopped in just to take a look and immediately struck up a conversation with one of the Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) that was explaining the weapon to a bunch of new recruits that were present. It sounded interesting and challenging at the same time. He introduced me to a recruiter who explained all the jobs that they had at that unit and what I would need to do to join. He also explained all the benefits and when I would receive them. I dont know why I didnt sleep on it but my reaction was where do I sign. The only thing I was seeing was something new to do, as well as a way to pay for college. In less than two-weeks I was shipping of to Basic Training at Fort Bliss, Texas for an eye opening experience. As I stated earlier I had been raised in a warm nurturing environment, as a child with the only authority/discipline was a spanking if I had done something wrong as a child, or being grounded for a week if I came home late from curfew. These paled in comparison to what I was about to go through. I reported for basic training full of piss and vinegar thinking that this was going to be a cake walk. I couldnt have been farther from the truth. While my attitude for dealing with being a new soldier was correct, lets just say my execution lacked some forethought on my part. As I stated earlier, my entire universe had rotated around what me as an individual and what my need were. I was stuck in the Whats in it for me? syndrome. While not completely selfish, I was far from being the Good Samaritan to the fullest extent. When I reported to basic I was blind to the concept of being part of a combined effort or a piece of a whole. Sure I had been act...
