What were your feelings and thoughts when you first opened your draft notice?

I had a draft number of 6. I received my draft notice near the end of Plebe Summer at the US Naval Academy. By that time, I was already committed. Thirty four years later, I retired from the Navy.

So soon? Most guys in my old neighborhood had about six months between their physical and their greetings. I had about three weeks. Opinion of the war didn't enter into it. Back then, you went, either by enlistment or the draft. Dodging the draft and/or running to Canada was not an option.

I never registered for the draft. I enlisted in Dec. 1972 at the age of 17 years 2 months old. I was the youngest person in the military at that time and also the youngest individual to enlist voluntarily to serve in the military during the entire Vietnam War era. Because of this distinction I am the youngest Vietnam era veteran as I was still the youngest person serving when President Nixon ended the Vietnam War.

My initial feeling was shock, it caught me completely by surprise. Even though I should have been expecting it, I had not given it a thought. I had a new job, had just bought a new car and was totally wrapped up in making a living and lifting a burden off my mother. I found out about my papers before they arrived because a high school friend tipped me off about the possibility and I called the draft board to find out my position. I was informed the papers were in the mail! After a quick exploration of the possibilities, I enlisted in the Air Force in order to pursue a career field I was already interested in but could not afford college.
I had no particular 'stance' on the Viet Nam conflict as I had paid it scant attention. My Mother had not 'put any ideas into my head' wrt the war (or any war). She had been a WW II bride and the marriage did not survive the end of the conflict. My father was a WW II vet but had no role in my childhood. In retrospect, the draft was the best thing that happened to me and perfectly timed, no regrets.

I enlisted after high school in September 1963. I supported our war effort because the United States and South Vietnam were both members of SEATO and we were honor bound to protect South Vietnam from attack by North Vietnam.

I did not serve in Vietnam. The Army chose to send me to Fort Wainwright, AK after I graduated from Radar Repair school. I spent the first year with the 171st support Battalion as a radio repairman, and the second year at Yukon Command's Signal Field Maintenance shop.

The draft was way before my time but, I did grow up hearing stories from that era. My dad SFC Leo Hines told me when he got his draft notice. Then he had just received mail that was forwarded to him from WV to his APO in Vietnam. He was a Corporal at the time and was worried that he would be in some kind of trouble so he said that he went to his CO. His CO said this to him "what are they going to do make you join the Army?". My dad is gone now but I love passing along his stories whenever I get the chance, thanks.

I wasn’t even thought of yet when Vietnam happened. However, I want to thank each and every one of you that responded to those draft cards or even just went in on your own accord. I know that there wasn’t a welcome home parades for you when you came back either, I am here to say

THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU GUYS HAD TO ENDURE OVER THERE AND THEN COME BACK TO YOUR OWN COUNTRY TO BE TREATED THE WAY YOU WERE. GOD BLESS EACH OF ONE OF YOU FOR SETTING A STANDARD THAT THE NEXT GENERATIONS OF SOLDIERS WILL HAVE TO LOOK UP TO FOR GUIDANCE.

To be honest, I didn't really have a feeling one way or the other, I am and always have been a conservative person, so had I not already enlisted I would have gone to my induction physical. I could not have gone to Canada like many others had. I always have believed that I owned my country for the free education I received and for the freedoms afforded me. I have my thoughts on the war, but I have never felt like I know enough to point fingers or to tell others what should have been done. I also never want to disparage any of my other brothers and sisters in the military.

Was not surprised - had no particular views on the war - had three older brothers, two of which had enlisted earlier and stayed in States, the other went to Germany; my parents had no input about Nam; I decided to quit my job so I could have some fun before getting on the bus for Ord. My father died while I was in Nam - from what one of my brothers told me my dad originally thought I would go awol when I got orders for Nam, but was very proud of me for accepting my fate and going.

Never received a draft notice. I enlisted under the Delayed Entry Program before graduating High School and reported to Ft. Polk 2 days after my 18th birthday. Enlisted for Airborne Ranger Schools. Was in A Co 75th Infantry (Ranger) when I re-enlisted for Present Duty Station. 90 days later had orders for Korea. After 5 years enlisted (E-6), the Army sent me to college through the ROTC Active Duty Scholarship program. Got out as a Captain (O-3) after serving 4 years in Germany.