Article 1, Volume 5
Veteran: Is there a special feeling that goes with it?
I volunteered to go into the Army in 1960. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. I had a football scholarship in my hand and a $20 bill in my pocket. I could have gone to college and found a way to survive. But why should I go through that stress? I chose to go to the Army and then to college.
It worked out. I learned how to stretch that $99 a month paycheck.
I served in Europe with honor. Met a lot of people. Learned a lot about a lot of things.
The Army afforded me the first opportunity to live in an integrated environment. The experience started on the bus ride to boot camp. I was sitting next to a white recruit. We talked about two hours on that ride.
He told me that he had never had a conversation with a black person. Well, I told him that I had never had a conversation with a white person. It was a good experience for both of us. But then, that is the way it was in Suffolk, Virginia in 1960.
In boot camp, and subsequent assignments, the commanding officers made sure that all things under the Army's control were integrated.
Well, there was one exception, when it came to chow time the black and white soldiers sat at different tables. But then, that was by choice.
I sacrificed three years of my life. I was always ready to put my life on the line for the country.
I am probably more proud of the time I served now than I was while the sacrifice was being made. Particular, when I think of how few men or women have worn or are willing to wear a U. S. military uniform.
I feel like I am a Veteran, but it seems as though something is missing.
Maybe, it is because so many opportunities were not made available to me at the end of my tour. Then again, maybe I just did not know how to take advantage of my veteran's status.
Well, I don't know what is missing. I am a proud veteran, but still, it seems as though something is missing.
Copyright 2014. Grady E. Bryant, Sr
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