On 5 July 1960, that’s 50 years ago, I stood on the plain at West Point as a brand new plebe and took the oath as a soldier, beginning my military career. I spent 4 years as a cadet, 22 years on active duty; since retiring in 1986 I’ve been in the retired reserves. I am a soldier.
I meant to post that on 5 July, but, while sitting in my easy chair talking with my wife, it suddenly felt like someone was sitting on my chest. We went to the hospital; they kept me two days for tests and concluded that there’s nothing wrong with my heart. Let me tell you, that scared me–my self image is that nothing like that ever happens to me–I’m like, well, superman. Now I find out I’m mortal.
