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MY FIRST DAY IN COUNTRY part 1 by TI Tim Lawrence |
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introduction In August 1965, I was called by my country to serve in Southeast Asia as a aircraft mechanic and latter a helicopter Tech Insoector for the United States Army. This is the story of those wonderfully frightful months that turned into years when I was privileged to serve with a group of men who really showed what the meaning of the words duty, honor and country really mean. In order to eliminate any one person, being made angry with the way I present this manuscript only the places and events in the story shall be stated, All people shall have fictitious names and be stated as close as I recall to the real events. The total period of my service in Vietnam covered 39 months. This seems very long to many but short to some prior veterans. We will never know if that war was winnable because the bureaucratic management in charge in that Generation, used it as human training exercise so the Officers in the management at that time could get there cards punched as having combat seasoning. As a result of that decision being made all the Officers and senior Noncommissioned Officers went over for a year so they would have their cards punched as being combat veterans. This was kind of a joke also for there was a time, when they had so many senior people over there that they couldn't find a real job for all of them. Unless you feel running a club or swimming pool is a job for senior Management. I look back on it now in the twilight of my days and think what a waste of human life not to make the decision to win. Most all the men I worked with wanted to do exactly what the management did not want to do Win!! But no one made this decision. As we took ground one day and fell back the next day. This is all right when your doing training under simulated conditions, but hell when your spending lives to do it over and over again. What a waste. For most of the men I was involved with were dedicated, excellent, Americans who I felt wanted to win and really could not stand the thought of loosing. We finally quit and Tricky Dick( Richard Nixon) did what he called Vietnamization. What a Double joke. Tricky Dick only served under people who wanted to win during his tour in the service, World War II. I do believe our cause was close to right but the people we (United States) sustained were evil. Madam Nughe, her husband and brother who shot the man in the head on a Saigon street. This kind of action seemed to create the non support and misunderstanding by the American people. Thus ending all support for the military men who bore the blunt of the battle. All who were there knew in their hearts this was not correct but did there best to live up to the oath they had sworn. The support of those men and woman by our country is something I will not address in this manuscript for my feelings have changed over the years sense that occurrence of violence and hostility I suffered was almost just as bad upon my return to the land of the big PX the United States. i CHARTER 1 I was stationed at Fort Rucker Alabama. I remember while stationed there most called the place "LA" for Lower Alabama I believe the state bird was the Gnat as this little insects was in your face nearly all the time. Everyone went around as if they were flapping sideways at someone trying to get the things out of their faces. I remember how we were always getting inspected to demonstrate how much more suitable one class was over another. I really didn't mine too much until one day they said we going to have an Inspection by the IG, I had no idea just what an IG inspection was, but was satisfied I could stand up to any thing this Army had to pose. So I was shining my shoes and looking as good as I thought all the rest did. When out of the blue someone said lets have a white collar inspection. That was okay for I really didn't know what that was either. The word must have gotten back to the Commanding Officer (CO) as the next thing I know the entire group was doing this white collar inspection thing for the this IG person, who ever he was. I remember the long hours of mopping an stripping floors of the old wax, opening up a mess hall so we could wash the pots and pans and run the dish washer. The chef made soapy water with lye soap and lemons, to get the grease off the floor, in a 20 gallon pot that must have weighted 150 pound. Two people were required to hoist the full pot out of the deep sink. We folded blankets and were told to wash away 150 pounds of sugar down the commode and all form of things I felt was very close to half-witted , if not completely stupid. I spit and shined everything I was told to do that way, I did learn how to clean a razor so no one could tell it had been used. I felt that might come in handy one day but not in civilian life. Then the harsh day came when we came back from classes to find they had scrubbed the parking lot and we were not allowed to walk on it, I had no idea just how serious they were until the next morning when low and behold we were told to make a white collar with clean sheets. So the whole barracks started out to the supply room with linen in hand, that's what the senior people called the sheets and pillow case, Upon reaching the parking lot they had a assemblage of " cadre a-holes" convincing us we could not walk on the unsoiled parking lot, they eventually realized we could not exchange our linen unless we walked on the parking lot. This is where it really gets plum weird They made us lay the sheets two thick so we could walk across the parking lot to the supply room and swap our sheets. That wasn't too bad except when this IG fellow came he didn't even come in my room and look at all the drudgery we had done just for him and his herd of people. They did ask us asinine questions like "How's the food in the dinning facility" ( which we called a mess) hall. After that I felt the army would do anything to make itself look good. 1 The next week I was placed on orders to report to San Francisco for debarkation to Southeast Asia. As if this wasn't incompetent I didn't really know what debarkation was, but you soon find out and it wasn't in effect that good a deal. Time moved slow for a man about to be placed in sure peril. The stupidity of youth was our defense, but then came the time to be on our way, each condemned man was given 30 days leave to go home and then on to California. What the hell I've never been there and never really desired to go. Wouldn't you know it the airline mechanics were striking and one could not get an airplane to California. As a result San Francisco was a very difficult place to get to. Bus ride to Alburquqy where I boarded an airplane bound for Las Vegas. I arrived in Las Vegas late in the evening and the weather was very hot even at that late hour. I remember going to the lavatory to find they had one armed bandits at the urinals I guess that most of the people pissed on the floor or their shoes, as it would have been hard for people to relive themselves and work the devices, but like everything else I guess you acquire that proficiency. About 2 o'clock in the morning a call was heard aircraft into Los Angeles gate 24. We arrived around 4, o'clock in the morning and learned the aircraft mechanic strike was over and at 7 o'clock that morning and the airlines would be flying there normal fights. As Tim learned this he went down to the boarding gate where they said the aircraft for San Francisco would leave from, upon his arrival at gate 24, you guessed it hurry up and wait, the plane didn't leave until one o'clock in the afternoon. As some local charity had set up a slumbering place in the airport Tim went there and was assigned a cot with a mattress. There was a sign, up that said "lock up your valuables", so he placed what little money he had left in a little cloth bag to be placed into some safe. They said all should retain the Government Identification Card so they could be recognized when they picked up the stuff. Tim's name was placed on a roster for wake-up at a certain time. Awakened around 12:30 with a foul irksome mouth from not brushing for a three day period he collected his valuables, brushed his teeth an set out for the gate LAX gate 38. When he arrived, you guessed it hurry up and wait, the aircraft was delayed and would not leave until 3 in the afternoon. He found out he was not the only one who was late for debarkation as another fellow said he had called Oakland Army Depot, and they implied to him the people there were not expecting most of us to come in at the time they where support to report, due to the strike. He thought to himself if had known that I could of left a day later to get to this point. "But What the Hell"! people never comprehend how much they invade the private rights of others which has always been a difficulty for man. His thoughts were to get some food but really did not want to pay the prices they were charging at the airport. 13 dollars for a sandwich and a drink. He hypothesized the gold must all be in San Francisco or maybe they just wanted their share of the pie, trouble was they seem to want it
came and went. You guessed it! The plane it was delayed again what the hell, another hurry up and wait. 2 At 7 o'clock we finally got to board the aircraft for San Francisco, and then we had to wait again as we were number 19 in line for take off. What the hell another hurry and wait again!! As the aircraft rolled on to the main runway the whole plane was rising up as one voice and yelled in relief. Arriving in the air space over San Francisco, the captain came on saying the traffic in the air over San Francisco was very concentrated and we couldn't land for a while. Another hurry and wait. Our plane finally touched down about 10:30 in the evening. The airport was a mad place with uniforms servicemen running everywhere trying to redeem their bags and get some reasonable transport. It was moderately cold and one could detect by nose the ocean breeze as fog seemed to rest around he terminal buildings. After getting his small bit of accouterments he endeavored to get a cab as he had no comprehension where Oakland Army Terminal was. He had been told the charge was around $40.00. He went over to this man that was a private in the Army and asked if he would share a cab with him. The man indicated he only had ten dollars left but could pay him back when he received his travel pay. As the conversation drug on , another man overheard them and implied he was in the same shape and ask if he could share the ride and he would pay his part as soon as he got paid. As they talked as a cab was hailed and this small black man in a yellow cab came to a stop and began opening the trunk of the cab. Where James Franklin, Larry Warren and Tim Lawrence deposited the bags they where carrying. As the cab started to move the driver began to talk; Where Are you Going? To Oakland Army Depot. That will be $40 bucks the driver remarked. (implying we might not have it). As we drove along the dark road James and Larry introduced them selves James was from Kentucky and Larry was from New Jersey. I remarked something about not sounding like a dam Yankee. James indicated the same. As Larry sat there laughing at us. While we drove the driver slowed and turned Asking us: Would you like a girl before you report in? I guess he was a pimp along with being a cab driver? Oh well a man has to subsidize his earnings any way he can in California, just to make ends meet, I thought to myself. We all indicated that was negative, as we said: Just take us to the Depot now in unison . As we finally put our eyes on where the cab driver said Oakland Army Terminal was, the fog on every side was so dense you couldn't see the third floors of the buildings located in the dock area. The gate sentinel appeared to materialize out of nowhere as the cab pulled to a stop. The fog enshroud everything making one feel as if he was in a tomb, including the gate house where the guard was a real horses butt. One might even question his lineage, his mother might have been a female dog. 3 We all produced our orders and I.D. cards to verify we were who was written on the orders, as if person would try to go to Vietnam who wasn't told to go. We listened to the instructions that the cab could not go into the terminal, and we would have to cart our stuff from here. Oh well the person of questionable linkage proved he was a real S.O.B. and that's all I have to say about that. I found out as we were walking up the wet due surfaced road that if you where stationed there they would allow the taxi to come on to the billeting area. We were all wearing short sleeved shirts and the temperature was in the 50s so we were a little cold but the activity of carrying our baggage seemed to keep us a little warmer. We must have walked for about mile. When James spoke: There is a sign on a building "sign in here". Pointing to a red brick building that was almost complete dark. Throwing the duffel bag on my shoulder Tim remarked: Well lets do it whatever it is. As we climbed the stairs out side the red brick building Larry fell down triping on the medal that was on the front part of the steps. As he prostrated himself he tore his khaki pants and gashed his knee. We went in and encountered some Sergeant setting behind his desk smoking a filthy smelling cigar. Inhaling and exhaling smoke into the air for his entertainment. We explained about Larry and his cut knee, only to be told he would have to wait until 8 o'clock, that was sick call time. After coming from Fort Rucker with very little sleep, that was the straw that broke the camel 's back:, I really lit into this A-hole: What do you mean the man will have to wait until 8 o'clock? The man is hurt now and may need stitches. As I recall seeing his name tag "A. Green". (A fitting name for a real a- hole) I thought!! Who the hell are you, to set when the time for a man to see the medics? His response was I'm the Charge of Quarters private. And don't you forget that bud. Well now someone else must be in control, cause your not smart enough or don't have the balls to make a real determination. Call your higher control and get them to make it for you. As the two of us rudely exchanged words and looks. The terminal duty officer entered the room while James was helping carry Larry into a chair on the side of the room so he could sign in. We all snapped to attention with the A-hole sergeant standing there with shirt tale out and massive smog of smoke lingering round about the room almost as obscure as the fog out side, A real killer to someone who didn't smoke. The terminal Duty Officer began to speak : What is the problem? Sergeant pointing at me: This Private? Is being insubordinate. The Captain turned to me with a gleam in his eye as if the knew the truth saying. Why is he being Insurborinate? 3 Looking over at the Larry with his blood leaking down his leg and over his low quarter shoes and on to the floor he turned to the Sergeant : Sgt. Green get this man some medical attenuation now. And while your calling, tuck in your shirt and open some windows so this smoke can get out. Then turning to me he said : What is your Name soldier? Lawrence, Timothy Lawrence Well Private what have you got to say for yourself? Nothing except if the management in this outfit is any thing like this Sergeant Green you wont get a healthy man to Vietnam for replacement. Turning to the Sergeant the captain said as he departed: You know this young private has a real good point,. as he added get these men some bedding. Tim turned to the sergeant saying: This matter should continue on another day. The sergeant replied: Captain this man is threatening me. As the Captain turned to walk away you heard in a low tone: I didn't hear anything: The Sergeant 's eyes seem to spark as he gave us bedding and a blanket. An ambulance crew came through the door asking: Where is the injured? The Sergeant pointed his finger at Larry saying nothing. Tim's thoughts were "I must be at the very top of this man's excrement scroll which was called something else in the Army. But what the hell they where sending us to Vietnam wasn't that enough, besides they could kill me but can they really eat me too. But one never knows in this weird world At 3 o'clock in the morning Tim was awakened by some private. Saying he was on K.P.(kitchen police) report to the mess hall. He dressed knowing Sergeant Green was behind this, but what could a person do. Stumbling out of that marvelous warm bed he put the soiled kakias, as no other clean cloths were in his bags. Reporting to the mess hall at about 3:30 he started rubbing pots and pans. The water was very blistering and turned your hands chalky from the lye soap that was utilized. At about 10:00 in the morning the cook told him to go over to the orderly room because the CO wanted to see him. As he walked over he new the refuse(s-t) is really about to strike the fan. Dirty uniform water soaked from his belly to his knees, brass needed cleaning, shoes that need shining and needing a haircut. 4 What a way to come into sight of any C.O. Well maybe this man wouldn't be too harsh on the man. When coming into the orderly Room Tim reported to a Sergeant named Natasauki. Tim waited at parade rest out side the COs office for what seemed like hours but in actuality it was only about 30 minutes. The C.O. called through the open door for private Lawrence to come. As he turned to enter the C.O.'s office Sergeant Natasauau barked out: "Knock on the door before entering!". "Straighten your gig line before entering!" As he entered the room he came to stand in center front of a large red to black colored desk where the Major was seated. His hand was raised to the right temple as uttered: Private Lawrence reporting as ordered! The major look up from his desk grasping a massive stack of documents saying nothing, but returning my salute. For a minute he just stood there attempting to keep his equilibrium while at the position of attenuation. Wavering a little rearward and forward and flank to flank. At long last the Major uttered at ease selecting up a heap of papers from the top of the desk, and setting them in front of him, he stood there for what seemed like a couple of hours. Then he began to speck always looking at the papers on the desk: Private do you know what the Terminal Duty Officer had to say about you, last night Realization this could be in real trouble he replied: No sir but I'm sure it was good, as I very seldom make a mistake. The Major replied: Well private I can understand that as the Army school you attended also say that. I was taking it easy now, hell I felt like I had a million bucks, I tell you. I could of kissed that Major but then they would of certainly kicked me out of the Army, well possibly not as the Army required all the people who could breath to sent to Vietnam. The Major look down at the stack of papers declaring: Well soldier your a fine example of a Non Commissioned Officer. Upon hearing this his thoughts where what castigation are you leading up
Upon seeing Tim's stress the Major said: At ease set down. You were number one in your class and the Director of the Army Aviation Center, has forwarded a letter promoting you, and from what the Duty Officer said last night it is surely deserved. 5 With dumb struck eyes, mouth wide open he could not even respond to what the total significance of this was: After a while looking up he stood up and came to attention, suddenly realizing he was being rewarded for doing the right thing by making some one do the job he was hired for. Fate has a strange way of caring for people who make this world work as it is supposed to work. The Major said: Well Lawrence what do you have to say for yourself.? Tim replied : "I just try to do my job as best as I have trained to do it, and help others if I can." The Major read the letter out loud, stopping at the end he came around the desk , leaning over to pickup more papers. The Field First stepped up on his right side with Specialist Forth Class Chevrons in his hand. Tim thought there must be a slip, trying unsuccessfully to control his response. The C.O. pined the left arm and the Field first pined the right. The Major adding: Spec. 4's don't have to perform K.P. Get these sown on as they should be. What time did your get here last night? Around 12 o'clock. I replied. Well specialist get in uniform. As Tim returned to the brick building he had slept in earlier he was told to get his things together an report to warehouse 17. After that there was no more trouble with Ass----A Green Sergeant type. But this was the first of a long line of realization that most people don't want to do there job, nothing anyone at all could say or do would to ever slow it down. He began to realize that about 80% of every thing the Army did was accomplished by 20% of the men a sad waste of manpower. He ran into James and Larry on my way back to the billet to get what little baggage he had: Where you going Tim Well Vietnam, but warehouse 17 right now We know all that and Where warehouse 17 is located also Let us help you get your stuff and show you the way Tim lead the way as the little group went into the billet and picked up Tim's stuff. James lead the way out and to the warehouse. Some Sergeant First Class Baker was in a little room located by the door Tim reported to him. Private I mean Special Fourth Class Lawrence Reporting Soldier where Have you been? I had to see the C.O. Well get out of that uniform and get into Jungle Fatigues I have not drawn any yet. Franklin, Warren Show this new Sp 4 were to draw his issue and help him get it back here. 6 James replied: Yes sir which brought a smile to the SFC's face As Larry, James and Tim walked across the depot you could see the massive amounts of equipment stored in and area with a real high fence. There was trucks of all sizes, road graders, fuel tankers, jeeps, and even some Lincoln Town cars painted Army Green. I guess the Generals have to have something to ride around in. As we enter this warehouse I believe it was number 12. The building were all a like with peeling paint a creme to yellow looking nasty faded color. The place looked like it was constructed in the early 1940s or maybe even 1930s the support rafters inside were exposed all the way to the ceiling no insulation at all. We walked through a huge door that looked like a garage door only larger onto a concrete floor with a long counter on one side of the long building. An extremely tall lady woman looked up from a sowing machine and asked: Can I help you Yes Ma!! I am private I mean Specialist Lawrence and I need to draw some clothing for going to Vietnam. "How you like that a polite young man like this being sent to Vietnam." Thanks Ma! Well lets see what we can do or you. Turning as she picked up some papers with Tim's name on them and then turning around back to face him: So your Timothy Lawrence. Yes Ma! Well -We've heard about you and what happened last night. As he thought hell, here's where the shit hits the fan. But then the lady went on relieving his concerns: You did real fine last night putting Green in his place. About that time the whole place began to talk about what had happened and telling Tim how special he was making Sgt. Green do the job he was suppose
up on a platform where two older men put a cloth measuring tape around my middle and yelling the measurements over their shoulders as they went. It was kind of embarrassing but there was only Larry, James and Tim within thirty minutes a duffel bag was full and they were ready to leave. As they started out the door a young Sp4 came out from behind the counter and said he had to go over to another warehouse. He indicated we could ride in Army green pickup truck parked at the end of a loading ramp. As we walked down the ramp toward the Army green colored pickup he extended his hand and said: 7 You did good last night!! Tim hurled his duffel bag into the rear of the truck and started to crawl in behind, when the Sp4 said: No Sp4 will ride in the back when I'm driving alone. Shotgun get in that side Thanks As Tim opened the door and sat down. Larry and James climbed into the back. The SP4 started the truck and looked back waiting for Larry and James to get seated, turning as he extended his hand : I'm Jim Heart while your here come see me if you need anything. Well this day started off real bad but it has ended up real good The ware house they were staying in had about five or maybe six bathrooms and the bunks were stacked four high with cotton mattress in an "S" fold at the end of each bunk. As Tim pulled some jungle fatigues, clean underwear and a towel out of his duffel bag and headed for the shower. His thoughts of home and the happenings of these last few days began to creep into his mind. The warm shower made him very sleepy and he thought of I must make a phone call and then he made the mistake of laying down on the unmade old cotton mattress when.. Larry was shaking him saying get up its was time to go to breakfast. He made his bed shaved and dressed as he surveyed the accommodations of this spectacular place. There must have been four or five thousands men, wall to wall humanity. They were so close a person really had to be careful when he was scratching his butt so as not to scratch someone else's in the next bed. One major problem was only two of the six bathrooms were open for use. It wasn't really that much of a problem that day, but come Wednesday morning when they started passing out these mammoth salmon colored pills it became one. I guess you might say that was the day when the shit hit the fan ,just because the people in charge didn't want to clean all six of the bathrooms. This would become a very large oversight on their part for after that everyone had the latrine blues (shits) for the next two days. The tablet was suppose to help protect a body against malaria no one don't really knew if it did all that but it sure did clean you out. Most of the soldiers believe the cure was worse than the disease but then again who the hell is the submissive soldiers with patriotic dreams of glorious actions to become heroes if allowed to do so. Later on long after these patriotic deeds were over they would find the full impact of that wonderful illusions when the health reports of just what affect the weed control product similar to round-up had on the human body came out. But that was another story. As we walked toward the dining facility for breakfast you could feel the damp in the air and see the thick fog as it seemed to hide all that man had placed here the day before. There was no grass just asphalt and more asphalt. It was contoured like a plowed field so the water would run into these large man hole with huge metal covers over them so they could be cleaned out. As the three walked Larry began to talk: 8 You sure told that Green off!! Yea I guess I did, I feel like I might of got a reward for it also! No you did not get shit from this place as I see it, What you think James? I'm still sleepy and you want an intelligent answer . Just what is this shit at least let me get some coffee in me. Oh well I need coffee too Larry replied as he slapped James on the shoulder and danced backward as if boxing both hands up with fingers extended and his body bouncing up and down. James just waved his left hand and replied . Up yours buddy!! The three arrived at this large brick building with the smell of fresh baked bread permeating the wet heavy air. Oh man I must of died and gone to heaven smell that stuff man that sure smells good. Look at the gravy and home made biscuits. Man I can almost taste it now. As we passed the door some Specialist Fifth class (Sp5) made them sign a roster and counted while shouting ; Hurry up! Hurry up we ain't got all day! Oh well the crap never stops always hurry up and wait, just like everything else on this wonderful vacation. This place called Oakland Army Depot wasn't much of a living area but it kept the rain and dew off your head and had shops setup with the normal sand craps and feather merchants right on base so the G.I. wouldn't have to leave to give his money away. I felt it kind of ironic that the finance center was set up right next to the post Exchange and contract shops that housed aforementioned shopkeepers. Oh well a fool and his money are soon departed. Time seemed to drag as the soldiers played cards and gave up their money to the sharks and shops. When your going to a place that could end your life as a young man you think of many things but not death mostly just bull shit and how that next peace is going to be. This is a defense against just what might happen and somehow consoles the ego maybe not for most part you really can't tell for sure. The call was heard early one Tuesday morning all on flight 1369B get your short sleeve khakis on and report to the buses out back with your duffels. All the soldiers carried the bag over the shoulder as many tried to fit through the small door only to have to form a single line to allow everyone to pass. And you guessed it there was The man A Green checking us off as we exited the door; Well Sergeant why don't you go with us? I remarked as he marked off my name. 9 The morning was still kind of cold and damp as we crawled onto those faded Army Green buses. Placing our bags at the door and someone else placing a paper tag on them while two others placed them inside a door under the floor of the bus. The buses zoomed along passing through beautiful open country. With fields grapes, oranges, almond trees and even wind generators with roll and rolls of large generators some turning others setting idle. We finally turned off the highway and turned on to a long straight road that you could see for ever there was a little house with the words in large block letters "TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE" where stood the dark figure of a man in blue standing beside a little house made of brick, the bus started to slow as it approach the now visible gate guard house and you could see an Air Force man in a blue class A uniform. He raised his hand and waved the bus through as came close. Then you could see the young man came the rigid position of attention giving the bus a very sharp salute, his way of saying a goodbye and good luck. The bus pulled to the front of a building that had the words "BASE OPERATIONS" on the front . This seemed to almost look like a real airport terminal, but all on the bus new it really wasn't. An Air Force person got on the bus and told us it would be a short wait while the aircraft was being cleaned and provisioned. Wouldn't you just know it another hurry and wait again. Oh well may be this war would wait little longer for these young eager souls. In the terminal building there was large floor to ceiling windows facing an aircraft parking area that had a Salmon colored 707 aircraft with the tail markings of Braniff Airlines. You could see the trucks parked around this aircraft and one with the word Dobbs on the side that was jacked up like an elevator parked near the rear of the aircraft where you could see men loading something in large aluminum boxes onto the aircraft. There was a yellow colored flat topped tank truck parked under one of the wings with large hoses connected to a port under the wing of the aircraft. They appeared to be readying this plane for flight and there were comments about that must be our aircraft, and well our last flight or 'there is our flight to hell '. No one really believed this was the last flight but you never know. Time dragged one hour two hours finally after four hours of wait the boarding was announced. There wasn't any more checking by anyone just men milling around walking toward the salmon colored aircraft. In a very short roll the plane turned right and we were climbing over the open ocean pulling away from the land. The surf washed on to the sand and large rocks as the plane climbed to altitude and you could see the white caps of the large waves rising and falling as the aircraft chased the fading sun into the western sky. Time seemed to almost stand still and the plane grew quite as the men whispered to each other. Some talked others dozed in their chairs then the plane's captain came on the intercom and announced: This is your captain we'd at 37,000 feet traveling at 610 miles per hour headed into Hickcum Air Force Base Hawaii. In a few minutes you will be served a dinner by the your flight crew thank you. 10 The aircraft moved on into the dark skies as there appeared a young lady with a cart moving up the isle asking what we were drinking. The dinner of T-bone steak, baked potatoes, and salad followed. The very best for a condemned man. The food tray was removed and the low quite drone of the engines caused Tim to become sleepy. As Tim started to doze the captain said fasten your seat belts and the sign came on reading the same thing. As the plane started down the captain said We're starting our decent into Hickcum air field no smoking. The temperature now is 78 degrees and beautiful Welcome to horne Lou Lou. You could hear the noises of landing gears , flaps and other flight controls as the hydraulic pumps screamed to support the movements. Then all at once the shrill squeak of tires hitting an asphalt surface we were on the tarmac in the state of Hawaii. The large aircraft slowed to a slow rolling movement and you could see the blue lights of the taxi way and then all a sudden there appeared a large lighted sign that said follow me in large lighted letters. The aircraft rolled over the rough surface of the taxi way into an open area and you could see some figure with two large lighted wands as the lighted sign moved past the dark figure with the wands. the wands started to move separately giving direction to the two drivers of this large object you could see them come together as the aircraft stopped. The soldiers departed the aircraft and walked across the tarmac to a building they had set up just for the people coming through going to Vietnam. The building had the appearance of a large barn with leather overstuffed chairs setting around it had a small soda fountain at one end, and some other feather merchants trying to separate the soldiers from their money with the wears they where selling. Tim saw Larry an waved to him as he made his way through the people an around the objects James grabbed his arm saying were you headed Tim didn't reply just pointed in the direction of Larry, James fell in behind and they both made there way toward Larry. What about that steak man?!! Didn't you eat the ice cream too? Shit I couldn't of held any more . Have you looked at all the stuff here they have to take your money? Nay! I don't know where you would put it anyway. Just then the public announcement system blast out. Flight 1369 will be on the ground for about an hour it was two thirty. Two thirty became three thirty Tim set looking out he window seeing a old vehicle with wooden sides and doors that looked like brand new, he began to wonder in that direction motioning for Larry and James to follow the Ford really looked good I'd heard the Beach Boys sing a about a woody but this was really the first time I'd ever seen one . What a perfectly restored machine and then four came and we were pulled away with a close up look as they announced boarding. Oh well maybe next time. Then they boarded and off the plane went in the west ward direction. 11 |
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