Worked in post Head Quarters, Directorate of Plans and Training November 70 to March 72. 2nd Platoon. The consolidation of Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force base began operation as a Joint Base in January 2010. God Bless all of our former and current military brethren. I came in October 30th 1968 right after you C-5-2, didn't really see or know anyone but my company due to meningitis not allowed out of company area. Graves, in fact I have a photo of him. Was drafted April 17 1969, basic training at fort Lewis D 1 1, California Mod Squad. [5] Italian prisoners of war, organized into units, were trained as quartermaster units at Fort Lewis, since after Italy surrendered to the Allies and declared war on Germany, they were not strictly held to the work requirements that prohibited prisoners of war from working on items directly headed for the war or in the war effort.[6]. I remember that at each meal they would yell NG's to the front of the line. Senior Cloud Systems Integrator - JBLM Fort-Lewis McChord WA - on-site. Pleiku to Ane Khe to long Than and the Delta to camp BearCat and 1969 to 71 A228TH AVN BATALLION 1st CAV Crew Chief Chinooks. After AIT I was assigned to Ft Lewis again but not to the VN transfer point instead my orders were for Madigan General Hospital. My wife also claims see sa a Bigfoot as we drove thru the forest between Lake Crescent and Forks. I've not seen any of them since. LOL!! Looking for information. The major organizations that make up the bulk of the Joint Base Garrison include: Additional staff offices that support the installation mission include the Joint Base Public Affairs Office, the Religious Support Office, the Resource Management Office, Equal Employment Opportunity Office, the Installation Safety Office, and the Plans, Analysis and Integration Office. Looking of Kenny Williams who was in the bunk above me and did a tatoo on my shoulder with indian ink and a pin. Smoked pot with his girlfriend in his room in the barracks, then would send squad leaders out to get money for a hotel room for her. My dad was a DS in Fort Lewis at that time. Can't help much with your search. It was a beautiful place and a big change from Santa Monica. Our senior DS was named Vargas who rumor had it had been in the Olympics as a long distance runner. Army decided that they would let me stay in Hawaii at the reserve center, so I didn't get back to Ft Lewis to join back up with the company. If someone came out of the darkness the weapon would have been useless with no time to load. I believe we were Delanos 1st class of trainees. I was also in A-3-2 late July to Oct. 3, 1969. Froze my ass off, thought I would get the dreaded SM and die. It was cold suckasses were made platoon and squad leaders, I was there beginning July 1968 & my DI was Sergeant Smith, I remember very well but I was too young to know any better when I got drafted I was going to school working and had a brand new baby boy then I got my induction papers because I lost one hour at college, Marie do you live up in Placerville, CA are you or were you an Ultra runner at one time. I remember the old Baracks. I hated Ft. Lewis because every morning it was either raining or freezing. Podcast I was at Fort Lewis Basic Training Feb 1969' and AIT until June 1969' got married here in Sacramento then on to Vietnam Americal Div 11th LIB Duc Pho I Corp you were a year earlier so i probably could not offer much for that year. David H. Hackworth described his service commanding a training battalion at the Fort during the Vietnam War in his memoir "About Face". The population density was 1,248.5 people per square mile (482.0/km2). I was in Ft Lewis from March 1970 until May 1970 in B-3-2. Enjoyed the constant heavy rain wearing wet weather gear, or a poncho. Delta Devils. Was your grandpa or is your grandpa from Idaho? I graduated in August 1968. I went back after Nam in Aug 70 and was assigned to the 3rd Armored CAV as the training NCO and then back home to sac at the end of Jan 71, BCT, Ft Lewis North Fort, March 67, D-5-1, Sgts Vickers and Brown, then to Germany 3rd Inf. Creighton Abrams WE could never walk on the platoon center floor, bunks were arranged around the perimeter, and he would sometimes come in at night after we'd showered, and pour dirt out of a gunny sack on the floor, empty the butt-can water on it, and make us crawl through it making oink sounds like a pig, then on to the upstairs and same thing, with the upstairs guys low crawling downstairs, passing each other on the stairs! Rough 8 weeks there. Did Lewis basic have a mock-up Vietnamese village in 68 like Fort Jackson did? Went to Vietnam after that. Next 5 weeks a 2Lt drove me to classes in a MG convertible. I recall the footlocker and trunk routine. His friends called him "Rod." Those old barracks have been demolished and the road we fell out on is now open to the public. Was committed to training us well. Read on to find out more about this amazing Washington Army base. There were a couple of guys in the barracks across from us who were taken out on stretchers, both dead from spinal meningitis. All these statistics were typical for military bases. Just before World War II, the Army's need for a large training and maneuver area became apparent, and the Army negotiated with landowners to lease 160,000 acres (250sqmi; 650km2) for the Yakima Anti-Aircraft Artillery Range. Does anyone know if AIT organized enlistees/training according to who was Vietnam-bound? Of the names you mentioned earlier, there a a guy upstairs named John Steele. I remember on the day before graduation Fagan screamed his men into marching order and took them into the forest where he had kegs of beer waiting for them. Good times because I was with some of the best men Ive ever met. Veterans Chicago Decypher is a leading integrator of professional, technology, and management solutions and services. Canada Thistle grows thickly in some areas. Dan Webster There were a bunch of us NG from TX, MT, and WI. It was sad to see the half dozen or so guys that simply packed up their duffel bags and went across the parade field to 11B and 11C AIT. Our DI was dubbed Double Time Philipswe stacked rocks on all of our breaks during training.we left 10 ft piles of rocks all over a north Fort. Soot from heating was terrible. Tasted like heaven and you could have 2. I had double pneumonia and was in Madigan hospital for eight days. Dave Mueller Fagan was an acting E-5 and a dick. Never had enough to eat only when we in the field. He said it was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen at Fort Lewis. Two of my cousins went thru Ft Lewis Oct- Dec 68 We eat VC for breakfast painted on side of barracks. He graduated June of 71. Randy, hope you get this. I'm trying to see if I can find somebody that remembers me I went by the name of Leo am I drill sergeants for Fasano he took me downtown to the racetrack one time and and then we went down to Pike Street in Seattle and he showed me the downtown area I think if I could get a little help to find him I could probably receive Little Help from the Army we say destroyed my knee when I was there but I decided to go home instead of getting operated on. [11], The census-designated place (CDP) Fort Lewis is located within the installation's area. Dak To I was in D-2-2. The facility houses minimum and medium security prisoners from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.[3]. ldr-Capt. just tried to repeat a request to hear from Fort Lewis alum back in Feb 69 thru June 69' was in the middle of an extensive info text out and all of a sudden everything went blank, then a new request from this site came up asking if I wanted to receive notifications from this site. Boggs was our Platoon leader! My drill sergeant was Sgt. Please advise. Trainor was God sent for me learned lessons that carried me through life up to today. After Basic I took my AIT at Fort Ord and then was sent to Korea. The drill sgt called us Ridge Runners and asked if people in Tn wore shoes. SPAM JB Lewis-McChord, WA 984331672 United States. This change affects companies with employees who need unescorted access to JBLM or YTC. Branson As a winner in the first VN Draft Lottery I was drafted 4 May 70 and was flown to Sea Tac Airport and then bussed to Ft Lewis WA USATC. Long time ago. Belated thanks for sharing your memory, William. I hope some of my platoon members read this and reach out. Tom Williams Located in Fort Lewis, WA, Fort Lewis Army Base is a potential source of asbestos exposure cancer. I was stationed at Ft. Lewis from 5/1994-7/1995, D co. 1/33 Armor. Michael: No reply on your post so I'll do it another way. His assistant DS was a short guy who always looked like he was about to tell a joke. If any of my brothers remember me as there DS get in touch with me.be nice to chat. Visit Our Website. 66th MP/93 Btn, Phu Tai/Binh Dinh 10/67-9/68, really dis-appointed..went to Ft Lewis wanting to get on post and visit the old north fort..website said valid ID and a passport would get you on..not the case after waiting for 1 1/2 hours got to the window and was asked if I had a sponsor..the only way you can get on post as a visitor. Not sure where you were located at Fort Lewis, but most of the buildings in D Block in the North Fort area have been demolished. 564th Quartermaster Company is a .U.S.Army government organization located at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington. I was in B-5-1 (if I remember correctly) and we were in 2 story barracks with double bunk arrangement, with a shower and bathroom on the first floor. Contact me at tfmillerphoto@sbcglobal.net. I don't think his uniform was green so much in the end. Leo, I got there in January '70. At the motor pool you stood next to a light pole that covered an area about 20 feet in diameter. Grady Myers He listened, then said Didnt they tell on the first day never to give money to anyone? Canned answer; hed been there before. I do have a group photo if your interested I don't mind emailing it to you? I tried to access the rear gate to Ft Lewis summer of 2012. Drill SSG Burton was something else..! Other guys had Ft Lewis orders but for the Transfer point to VN. Was he a squad leader? B-5-2 April-May 1968. Fort Lewis, WA Gate Locations; Fort Lewis, WA Base Directory; BAH Rates | Lodging | Units; Military Friendly Local Businesses. He went to Vietnam in August of 71 and came home March of 72. Wonder if you remember big stone by mess hall. Training and mobilization validation moved to individual units (instead of the 1st JMB) in 2011. The two bases operated independently of one another for more than 60 years before merging in 2010. William I may have been there at the same time I was in the 1st platoon 2nd squad leader our drill instructor said was American Indian he was a tuff SOB and a silver star recipient I wish I remembered his name. Can't find much on D-2-1..Greatly appreciate any assistance. Went through basic training at old fort lewis in feb'71 to Apr'71. I wish I had more information to give you. Duane Phillips. Fort Lewis EFMP - Family . Rain, occasional sun. Vince Gerling. Assigned to base headquarters Plans and Training Directorate office. Spokane Public Library Mine was E6 John Trainor, 3 time Nam vet. We had to sleep with the windows open no matter the weather. I was in B-5-2 from January 23, 1969, to around 1st of April 1969, then off to Ft. Ord. One guy tried a couple of times to take his life. Never knew his first name, would love to track him down and but him a beer or three if he is still around. Terrible weather, too many trips in low crawl pit. Came home and served 6 years and discharged Jan 1976. I was with you there B1-1 Potter was black Saling was Small went to Vietnam in March 1968 6th bat 31 inf. and and Drill Sergeant Graves. I had a great tour in Europe. I went to Nam with the 1st CavI got a letter from my bunk-mate Gary Baker from SimiValley CA who went in with the 82nd Airborne at Cam Ranh Bay. never heard from him again. Our Drill Sgt. Echo Company, First Batallion, First Brigade. He was stateside and passed away I believe in1971On Fort Lewis property. During the summer months (June, July, August), JBLM North hosts the Leader Development and Assessment Course, a capstone program for the U.S. Army's ROTC program. The whole platoon was from Chicago. So naturally I thought it was great. Thanks for sharing your story, Lon. The D-2-1 sounds correct but Infantry was the 11B MOS which was the training which comes after basic training. . Apply on employer site. Troops were using them for city warefare training. Fort Lewis was originally established in 1917 with the passage of a Pierce County bond measure to purchase 70,000 acres (280km2) of land to donate to the federal government for permanent use as a military installation. Who thought he was going to run us into the ground the first day but when 7 of us stayed with him stride for stride he got miffed. Joint Base Lewis McChord, WA 98433-9500. DS names that come to mind are Vadrin pronounced Vadreen, Robles, Fir and Letey. Bill Norton: Our barracks in B-1-1(June end thru Labor Day1969) had one washer and dryer. I remember seeing his uniform patches when I was a child, and he had a patch from the Americal Division, another from Sixth Army and an engineer patch with the motto "This We'll Defend." He was one cool guy. My father, SSG Robert Warren, was a drill instructor from 1966-1969 D co. 4/2 at North Fort. In augustI'm looking for photos or yearbook??? You are not exaggerating about the weather. (Survivor of the battle of Hue). Either they were recycled or washed out totally. Encompassing more than 320,000 acres (500sqmi; 1,300km2), YTC is a world-class facility. Save. Fort Lewis Army base soldiers keep guard at an entry on 24 October of 2002 in Tacoma, Washington. Pinto was our DI. Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord, JBLM . building. It was the second time I had visited. YOU WAS POSS NEXT MY BCT COMPANY E 3 2 1ST PLATOON DS KODI BROWN HARDY G W HARPER SORRY AEND OF 1ST COOK WAS SP4 JENKINS REAL A END SEWAGE WASTE MET I remember the big guy by the name of Spicer. It was the A12 version, green with a black fiberglass hood and a 440 6 pack. Was that John Zimmerman. I was in D 1 1 at that time. Send me your contact info to my email address. It had a G.I holding a couple of severed VC heads and the Brass wanted it gone. Was there like 7/30/70 till I graduated basic and went to my permanent unit. August 2012 Wilber (Wilber's Willing Warriors). Our guard commander at the Stockade was Sgt. I remember Capt James and the tailored fatigues. I was in E-1-1 from Dec of 69 to April of 70, was lucky enough to get pneumonia and was held back. I did basic at Lewis from Nov 70 to Jan 71, Alpha One One, Drill Sergeant Delano. Woke up with snow on our heads a couple of times. I took my Basic Training at Fort Lewis Washington in August 1966. Two options from the medics. . Hi, I am writing from Chile, where I actually live. Pilot But you know, he was really a decent guy (20 years later!). The Army splits the rank into either corporal / sergeant or specialist. Sergeant Hungerford was D.I while Sergeant Blood was PT manWe probably had some of your leftovers? 745. Dispatches Out of the total population, 10.7% of those under the age of 18 and 0.0% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line. Of the probably 200 wooden barracks, mess halls, HQ, supply rooms, etc on North Fort, there are three (3) two story HQ building left. I was E-1-1 1968 before the Nam! We had the meningitis restrictions also back in 1966 too. . E-3-1 basic training Fort Lewis, Washington 11jul66 north Fort. Still a pretty post. Also pictures of Drill Sergeants Forcade and Graves. I'm McGowan! Duane Phillips and he reminded my of John Wayne in the Sands of Iwo Jima. I don't remember his name. The outside portion was 13 red and white stripes, and when you swung both doors open, there was a field of blue, with 50 stars. JBLM has more than 25,000 soldiers and civilian workers. But this left me with so many questions, I wish I could have been a bit older to speak to him about it. The cold, rainy weather. MENU . According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 15.9 square miles (41.2km2), of which, 15.3 square miles (39.6km2) of it is land and 0.6 square miles (1.6km2) of it is water. March 2018 Your post was Jan 2018 so maybe I hope by now you have found him. We were under quarantine for spinal meningitis. Salute out to D.5.2 (Aug 1968 to Oct 1968) And corporal Redman train for DI school. Made SP/5 August 71 and thenwith a 110 day drop ETSed Jan 72. There were 3,476 households, out of which 85.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 89.3% were married couples living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 2.2% were non-families. Madigan Army Medical Center Fort Lewis postal code 98431. Dale Dehnke, George Paige, Steve Shannon and Joe Esparza. Bellevue, WA. I made him laugh once when I asked him how to stop my socks from falling down and bunching up at the toe. If any guys from Alpha One One Jan 71 see this send me an email at slorazorsedge@aol.com. Nearby government services. My time was very uneventful. Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA 98431, United States. Fort Lewis, also known as Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), is located near Tacoma, Washington. There were about 5 songs playing everywhere: Three were: Cheri Amour (Stevie Wonder), Sugar Sugar (Archies) and Wait a Million years (Grassroots). July 2014 Get email updates for new Senior Data Analyst jobs in Fort Lewis, WA. They all died in Vietnam God Bless those guys. Willys Jeepster Great memories there. D 1 1. I walked away thanking him the last time I saw him because his training methods instilled in me total confidence to achieve whatever goal. Was in a bunch from Ohio,I remember Bruce Schmidt from Butte, Mt. Recruited largely from the northwest, the 91st was considered "Washington's Own." Ambush Levied twice for VN. The Environmental and Natural Resources Division of Fort Lewis wishes to evaluate the effectiveness of the current and potential remediation activities at the Logistics Center, a regional maintenance facility at Fort Lewis where pump-and-treat systems are being used to remediate . Jim, I was there the same time, Nov 1970 - Jan 1971, Alpha 1-1. I was in 3rd platoon B-5-1 13th basic cycle the name Swanson does sound familiar I have a picture of the platoon with our DI I'll have to check it out and see if I can read the name on his field jacket. So many memories. Names I remember.. Garland,Might,Hammond,Weisman,Baker,Rogge,lock, Tastead, Were some crazy times that I will never forget. Guys from all over. Started with DS Dempsey, who was replaced by DSs Rude and Woodward. June 69 to Sept 69 Infantry AIT. Neill Public Library Fort Worden, Fort Lewis, Camp MacKay, the Vancouver Barracks, Camp Hightower, and at La Croix, France, photographs of the state training ship U.S.S. A-4-2 Basic Training Aug-Oct 1970. Today it is one of the largest and most modern installations in the U.S. and is home to the I Corps, 62nd and 446th Airlift Wings, 7th Infantry Division, 1st Special Forces Group, 75th Ranger Regiment, 66th Theater Aviation Command, and Madigan Army Medical Center (just to name a few). I'm writing about my experiences in the Army. He was in Viet Nam in 1964-65. Would love to hear from you guys. I don't have any photos from the army. COMM phone number for Joint Base Lewis-McChord Housing Services Office (HSO) 253-967-3581. Thanks, I was there I believe from the first week of June..1968 till August 1968we graduated from basic at fort ord California and were flown up to Seattle and then bus over to fort Lewis we were in unit b/4/3eight weeks of ait infantry training it was the worst eight weeks of my life they ran our ass all over the place 20 miles forced marching..running to rifle range..the rain was unbelievable and the heat 100 degrees in Julyall we heard everyday how we will be killed in Vietnam and boxed up and shipped homeit was interesting my dad was there in World War Two he liked fort Lewisyes fort Lewis brings back lots of memories..I do believe a lot of what I learned at fort Lewis helped me through my tour of Vietnam..25th infantry division Aug 1968 - Aug 1969. Recently returned from Seattle as my wife and me went to visit my son and his wife in Bremerton. The United States Army's I Corps commands most Army units at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and conducts planning and liaison with other assigned active and Reserve component units in the continental United States. I did not and on to Fort Ord then to Sill and OCS. I might suppose battalion and regiment, but Im not sure that makes sense. Perform a full range of automated and non-automated laboratory procedures in the following areas: Chemistry, urinalysis, hematology, serology, bacteriology, phlebotomy and immunohematology . Overview. I actually received your "thank you" message in my inbox today. Driver license or identification card issued by a State or outlying U.S. possession that is Real ID compliant. My wife visited a friend in Olympia and probably drove near the base with our daughter inlaw. We had nick names, mine was "Chaplain". Thank you for your time. Now I've never been much for schadenfreude, but damn, sometimes a fellow just must indulge. Directory. I did basic and 11B ft lewis. Than went back to the barrack until called to pick them up. The Yakima Training Center is a major sub-installation of JBLM, and provides a full range of training lands and ranges to active and reserve component units. Later, with WWII looming, the Army Air Corps took over a nearby airfield and renamed it McChord Air Field. Any chance you knew him? Jim Long, Senior Drill Sgt. I was 3rd sqd leader. Tindel. No guard duty anyway. I carried toilet paper in my pockets during training. Screw the bed rest give me the aspirin, and I'll tie my boots tighter. Hawk Lol. Corperal Lowery was also an instructor. Did not have Blood or Thomas as DI, I am looking for a dear friend of mine that was my buddy in 1970 at Fort Lewis Washington I believe Bobby was his first name and my drill sergeant was Fasano, drafted jan 20 1968 basic training ft lewis washington have know idea, I got drafted in 1969 and went in you 1970 when it was nice and cold when I arrived at the airport in my shorts and short-sleeve I asked my buddy what's that white stuff like that because I came from where was never snowed never forget that, hey dave young do you know anything about 1968 1st platoon 35 engineers c company at fort lewis washington, Sgt. Mokie Ruiz give me a shout, Dale S. Hi, my dad graduated from basic at Ft. Lewis June of 71. they sent 50 of us up there to go through boot camp and AIT. A new unit then uncased the colors of its new designation on 1 June 2006 the 4th Brigade, 2d Infantry Division.[9]. Anyone remember??? if you want me to take a look at your photo please email it to me and I will certainly take a good look. In 2010, the two bases were combined as a cost saving measure and the installation is currently known as Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). Just wondering if this might have been you? Vietnam 68-69, 18th Brigade, I was there in BCT C42 Chargin Charlie Rah!! 253-967-7166. . We were part of the Americal Division and up in I Corp above Chu Lai Got in country July 69 and back to the states July 70 I had 5 months left in the Army and I will be damned if they did not send me back up to Fort Lewis There I was assigned to the 3rd Armoured CAV as the Training NCO lived off base with my wife and actually had a pretty good time. Most of us were from Utah. I hope you get a chance to read "Boocoo Dinky Dow" Grady's experiences at Fort Lewis are a big part of the story. I took basic at Lewis in March-April of 1967 D-2-2 Spent one week at North Fort then we transferred to the "new" 3-story concrete barracks next to the airfield. February 2014 1 photo. Found in: beBee S2 AU - 12 hours ago. Other DIs include: Lines, Chapman, Johnson, Broyles, Cummins, Miller, Farabee. This site provides logistical support to military service members. Cemetery marker for Donald Michaelson of the U.S. Army Air Forces is decorated with a flag at Vaughn Bay Cemetery May 27, 2007 in Vaughn, Washington.. 1969. The inspection of our bunks was so rigid that most of us made up our bunks to specification, and then slept on top of that in our full gear so we would not mess it up when we got up in the morning. I saw him in Da Nang, Vietnam during the war. 30 nov 1970 D-4-1 devils best friend Garry Berber; DI Sgt Young cold wet spinal men sick with colds. Does anybody have anymore info for me? I may be considered a reactionary but I'll take 1950s thru the 1970s as a great time to be young. 4th Platoon, Drill Sgt. Learn about housing options available at Joint Base Lewis-McChord as well as information about setting up utilities. So, fortunately didn't need the combat training. B Company I was always starving, too, but I gained ten pounds in the 2 months I was there. Hamburgers brought out in metall warmers. Army helicopters were also used to insert search-and-rescue [SAR] teams into inaccessible areas on the east, north, and west sides of the mountain, lowering rangers to the ground by a cable device known as a "jungle penetrator". Remember the winter of 69,was supposed to do BCT at ft. BLISS TX. As of the census[13] of 2000, there were 19,089 people, 3,476 households, and 3,399 families residing on the base. During 1949 and 1950, the state of Washington used the center for summer training of its National Guard units and regular Army troops were permanently assigned to the center. I think I was in B-1-1 but remember Long (think he was a big guy and a shake and bake). C-4-2 Chargin Charlie. The landscape is very rocky from glacial meltwater deposits. SEARCH. WE were 'pitted' against National Guard BTC across the Street. December 2012 Very grateful. (We can do!) Lots of memories. A good time was had by all. You are so right Lon. World War II I was sent to Fort Lewis Washington for Basic Training in early 1968, and it was miserable. I was in basic training at Ft. Lewis from Feb 11, 1970 to April 1970. Victor Villanueva and 9 days. God bless! Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Fort Lewis Tacoma Washington McChord Military Real Photo RPPC Ellis WWII at the best online prices at eBay! I was in the 2nd Platoon. Everybody hated the guy, he drove us like cattle, but in looking back, all he was doing was preparing us to go to Vietnam and survive. Both served in World War ll. John Titone Ah Bernard: The weather was perfect that year; little rain, cool in the morning but never hot and no bugs. In his 1968 U.S. Army training at Fort Lewis, Washington, Grady was housed in World War II-era barracks like these still standing at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Thank Man I hated that place! I was in D22, which may have been very close to you. RESPONSIBILITIES. Evan, you are so spot on about how our days were spent . FORWARD He was always telling us someone would hit us between "your snot-box and your cox-sucker" if we kept messing up. Name Fort Lewis Address 2202 Pendleton Avenue Fort Lewis, Washington, 98433 Phone 253-964-3966. Does he remember the DI's name. I was there in July 1968, 2nd place in Pt ((Newell from Tucson, AZ was 1st) & my DI was Sergeant Smith; what I can remember, I remember distinctly anybody that messed up we all have to pay dearly hacking people larger than a 5 foot 6 man was a chore in itself and I paid the price hoping that maybe somebody will remember some of the guys that were there when I was there I could use a little help, Leo I was there Feb 69 for both Basic and AIT you mention a 5'6" man was that Drill Sgt BEAN he was a tough little guy and I was one the sqad leaders, one of the guys did something stupid and SGT Bean made me have the whole squad take our foot lockers out side, drag them underneight the Barracks (that were on stilts) and actually bury them yes bury them under the ground under the floor of the barracks, once complete we had to then dig them up it was a very long event for shore. Discover the past of Joint Base Lewis-McChord on historical maps. Was in boot camp Sept. 1971 ,,,, was in a-4-1 ,,,, who was the drill sergeant?????? basic training helped me survive. He is PFC Robert (Bob) Dodge. Drill Sergeant Tanksley and a bunch of guys from Omaha. Sgt Shields, do you remember what shots they gave us with the "guns" and when we did gas mask training did they use real mustard gas?