submitted by James Everette Adams
The last thing I thought would happen to me was to be drafted. However, it did, and I was drafted into the military. I distinctly recall the ride on the bus to Fort Bragg, now Fort Liberty, where I received my basic training. The trip was not the most comfortable, but that is the military, comfort is not an issue or priority. Basic training was an experience like no other, hot days and nights, crawling in the hot sand with tracers flying over my head. We were all learning survival in combat when to raise our heads, and when to keep them low. The exhausting drills brought the realization of the army’s slogan, “The More You Sweat in Peace, The Less You Bleed in War”. I realized how true this is, especially during this era of the military, it was during the Vietnam War. However, at the end of the day, the shower and bed were the most inviting and welcoming sites. Just to rest for a few hours was a pleasure, but at an hour when rest was the best the drill sergeant would announce himself without an invitation and order a drill consisting of running at O-dark thirty.
Graduation was a destination that was long awaited, which meant further training was the next step. I was blessed, during these trying times of unrest, to be selected to receive orders for advance individual training (AIT) to be stationed at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, Indiana. It was here that I received advanced training as a stenographer. The training was rigorous and tedious with constant demand for perfection. The demands of explicit typing and coding of shorthand writing brought on constant practice and stress beyond what anyone could imagine. No computers those days!
Upon completion of AIT, many received orders for combat duty in Vietnam. Many of them were happy because of combat pay and the possibility of early discharge at the end of their tour of duty. I was blessed again by receiving orders to go to Germany.
Germany was a great assignment but not an easy one. Great responsibility rested upon my shoulders as I was assigned to be the stenographer for the base commander of the Third Infantry Division, Third S & T Battalion. It was my task to keep everything in order for efficient operations of the base. This was inclusive of aligning and processing all paperwork for the battalion. All officers’ paperwork and orders came to me prior to being reviewed and final approval given by the Lt. Colonel, battalion commanding officer.
The highlight of my tour was when my family was able to join me in Germany. Being a new father, it was a delight for my wife, Glenda, and new son, LaMonte to be with me during my last year of military service. They were able to visit many famous historical places that survived two world wars. However, because of my job, my travel throughout the country and Europe was restricted. I could not visit all the places that Glenda and LaMonte were privileged to experience.
Having an uncle stationed in Germany at the same time enabled us to visit the northern area of West Germany, Lubeck, a town along the northern border. We were in Lubeck visiting friends and family. We could stand on the land of freedom and look across the borderline and see into the country of East Germany which was a depressing site. What we saw on the east side was darkness, little life moving, and limited people on the streets. The buildings were dark and had gray exteriors. Children were not playing outside, as they did on the west side of Germany. Armed soldiers were strategically placed along the border to prevent anyone from escaping to freedom in West Germany. The soldiers were ordered to shoot anyone who attempted to cross over. The limited number of people we saw looked across the borderline at us, with what we thought to be looks of wishfulness of wanting to be with us in a free country. They did not speak to us, nor did they wave hello or attempt to do so. Our hearts went out to them because of knowing from reports of what they must be going through with the life they had to live.
However, during this time of international unrest, there was a concern with the Russian government. Replicable of Russian tanks and other military equipment were placed around the main army base at Leighton, West Germany for immediate recognition by military families. Everyone was on alert. I had to move Glenda and LaMonte into military housing for a period until there were no more threats of any occurrences by the Russians. This was a frightening time for everyone. But we survived, as the American Military always does in times of threat and distress.
It was fun to go to the movies and not be able to understand the script, but it was an unforgettable entertaining experience. We still reflect on those times and laugh about them.
The time came to return to the States, this was good but sad. Living in a German town gave us the opportunity to become friends with many of the people and their families. Being invited into their homes gave us an insight into the true culture of another country.
On our return home, we were blessed with the growth of our family with another son, Ian.
The experience we had in Germany and the European culture, enhanced our already love of travel. We continue our international travel to extend our knowledge of the world and God’s creation.