9. National Guard

So the school years went by uneventfully. I was aware that the Korean War was being fought. I hoped it wouldn't escalate into another World War when I might be asked to join the Army. It was during this time I joined the Alaska National Guard. All the guys were joining so I followed the crowd. All activity as Guardsmen was were confined to the school year. Every Sunday we went to the Armory at Sitka to learn about the Army. There was even a firing range in Sitka. I fired the M1 rifle with difficulty because the stock was almost too long for my arms. Nevertheless, I qualified as Marksman.

Once a year we went to Camp. Usually it was in January at Fort Richardson. There we learned soldiering. Living in the trenches, long marches, field kitchens, and tent living were our lot for two weeks. We had a beer bust on the final night L before returning to Mt. Edgecumbe and the civilian-student life.

 One year we spent our two week Camp at Fort Lewis. Towards the end of our encampment we were to have mock war with elements of the Ninth Infantry. We knew where they might be. On the day before the games were to start we marched all night. While they were having breakfast we captured them and the war game was over before it started.

It was at the Fort Lewis PX that I was introduced’ to alcohol. One of my buddies and I went to the PX to have a few beers. The price of a Budweiser was 19 cents and we had a few. Before the afternoon was gone I was in a state of unbelievable euphoria. I never thought anything so good could come so cheap.

Near the end of the encampment I caught pneumonia. I was rushed to Madigan Army Hospital. Several of us came down with it and as Alaska natives we became the object of curiosity to the rest of the patients in the hospital. I thought I might he marked for the rest of my life. A beautiful blonde was a Red Cross volunteer in charge of the game room in the convalescent ward. She was a whore with a $20 fee but I never asked for her services. I couldn't accept such corruption. After a month at the hospital we were flown back to Mt. Edgecumbe. I was glad to be a student again.