It was definitely a day to remember. It was just another one of the numerous stories stowed away in the war chest, to bring up whenever an entertaining anecdote was called for. The first day of basic training was one of the most intense and nerve wracking experiences I've ever had. On the other hand, the day before basic training was one of the most humorous. So it brings me great joy to able to share this extreme event here with you on paper. Buckle your seat belts, brace yourselves and let's turn back the clock!
             It was a scorching hot day in July of '92 at Fort Benning, Georgia – based in the city of Columbus, Georgia. Scores of young recruits ready to face the challenge of military training and drilling, spend the days in the lodging quarters called the "bay", awaiting their first day of basic training. Each bay was outfitted with about 50 bunk beds crammed no more than 3 feet way from each other on all sides. Due to the density of people housed in the area, everyone seemed to get sick within the first few days. The days grew monotonous due to the long wait for basic training to begin. We all grew restless. Soon, rivalries began to form and after several confrontations over a period of several days, a late night huge pillow fight was planned. Yes a pillow fight.
             Imagine one hundred future soldiers armed with heavy-duty GI issue goose down pillows, charged by frustration of all sorts waiting to unleash their fury on each other. There were 2 bays involved. Our bay knew about their planned invasion through an inside source. I came up with an idea to booby trap the entrance to our bay with soapy water, since everyone was required to wear flip flops at night for sanitary reasons. Our plan: they slip...they slide...we ambush – good stuff. After lights out and the drill instructor left the building we lay in our bunks, awaiting the moment of truth. As Yoda would say, "...