Pictured is two of my buddies that were with me for quiet a while in the army. As i have mentioned before the one on the right is Virgil Fridley from West Virginia. He lived in the coal mining area of W.Va. Harold Stayrook (center) was from Johnstown Pa. He is the one that was disowned by his parents for going into the army. We were refered to as The Three Musketeers by our group. This was ok since those in the medical core were normally refered to as Bed Pan Commandos or Chancre Mechanics. When i was staying on the base and Kathleen was back home, we went everywhere together. We had times when we could go with a group of patients to different events put on by the base. Baseball games in N.Y. City was a favorite. I did get to see games with Enos Country Slaughter and even Ted Williams.. There were trips to other special events as well, for instance like St Patrick's day which many in that area celebrated. Being on the base had a lot of advantages. If we needed any uniform items, we had connections to go and get new outfits since this was a POE base. It was here that we were issued dress shoes and did not have to wear the boots anymore. It was here also in 1946 that we saw the first television. It was a black and white set ( of course ) that was in the day room that was provided for patients and all connected with the Hospital. There were many places on base that you could go for entertainment. This made it better since our income was not enough to go off the base on our own very much. Another experience was going to Perth Amboy N.J. when a hospital ship came in from overseas. If we were not working, help was always needed for personnel to go and help in unloading and getting them to the base hospital. Since we only baked for the hospital, it was not as demanding as far as the daily schedule. Like I said earlier, we often got the Lt. to put fruit on the menu instead of cakes or pies.
Overall, my time in the military was really a growing experience for me. Remembering all the good experiences well overshadows the rough times. I only remember the rough times being in basic training in the winter. I remember real well having to sleep with my rifle every night for two weeks plus carrying it everywhere i went during that time, even to the chow hall. I never dropped it again. We were sitting in some outdoor wooden bleachers during a training session. I was on the top row and i let my rifle fall underneath. Everyone, was well trained in having respect for the rifle. I had remembered the serial number on it for many years but i can't recall them now. I don't suppose i will ever forget my army serial no.
Well, in bringing this segment of my life to a close, i will be getting my discharge here at Camp Kilmer. Normally, everyone goes to Fort Lee, N.J. but all my paperwork was done here at camp. I will board a Greyhound bus in N.Y. City and head back to Arkansas. Everything will be great as the future unfolds and we can regain our family life. I have loved every minute so far and will not look back except for the memories of the past.