I was born in Clarksville, Tennessee, Sept. 6th, 1940. One month later my parents took me to Modesto, Ca. My father was a paratruper, my mother a housewife. I had an average childhood and was spanked if I deserved it. I graduated from Modesto Highschool in the yr. of 1958. A month and a half later I joined the army in hopes of learning a trade as an Electrician, but later, found out I had to do what they wanted me to do. A little under a yr. later, I was sent to Vietnam. When we landed on shore, there were bombs going off everywhere. The enemy was attacking us with everything that they had. I became very afraid when the sgnt.yelled out,, "double time." We didn't argue with the srgnt., we were trained to move when he said move. So everyone ran fast to find safety. The troop moved to the field, 3 miles behind the line of fire. 4 years later, we left Vietnam with 90 soldiers. We came with 400. I only saw one person killed while I was in Vietnam. A pregnant vietnamese woman walked quickly, out of a hut and opened fire on all of us. It was so sudden, there was nothing else we could do, but shoot her or be shot. After three yrs. of serving, my time was up. So I reinlisted for another 3. I went straight back to Vietnam, but it was easier this time because I had some exsperience and knew what to expect. At night it was even scarier, with sounds off in the distance, people screaming, and repetative gun fire. I was afraid I might not ever leave Vietnam this time. But I finally got to come home, and boy was I ever glad.
After the military, I partied for about 4 months. I married 7 times and divorced 6 times with one deceised wife. The military gave me freedom, and the marriage tied me down. I was carefree, nothing was happening, and before I know it, I was homeless. Even though there were some down falls of not having a home, much like the military, there was a great sence of freedom in being homeless. I quit drinking in 1960, and never abused drugs, so I didn't fit the regular homeless criteria. through the yrs. I've enjoyed the freedom, and peace of being homeless. I have a nice little campsite, by a nice little bridge, and I come and go as I please. I'm homeless, and if it bothers anybody, thats there problem. I'm 63 yrs old., since December, I've been waiting for my Social Security. A lot of people always say that we will defend our Country, when in war. But when in war we defend our own skin. Alot of people when in war went to the restroom and never came back. It was risky business.
I have fathered 7 children, three in Riverbank, Ca., 4 in Los Angeles, Ca. I don't see them very much, but I love them with all of my heart. I followed my father's footsteps into the Military and I am proud of that. I believe, that is something my children should be proud of too. I like to laugh and visit with people through the day. Sometimes you might see me walking up yosemity blvd. headed for Jack In The Box, to get some coffee, or something to eat. When I get my Social Security, I want to rent a small place. I want a soft bed, a color T.V., and a fridgerator with my most favorite delicassy's inside. A cooler or box fan would be cumfy too. It doesn't take much to satisfy me.I enjoy the simple things of life, and Ilook out for my own skin. |
