27 Nov 2023
Bill and Arthur, thank you for organizing this casual conversation - also, thanks to all participants. After the conversation some thoughts crystallized for me - my reflections on those times we all shared include the following. In response to the possibility of being drafted I applied for Naval OCS and entered OCS in August 1969. I served as a supply officer on a Destroyer Escort out of San Diego through March 1973. If not for the draft I would probably have gone directly to graduate school. I was tired of school at the time and ready for some "real life" experience (Paul Pillar, I believe, expressed similar sentiments). Far from being a "sacrifice" I found Naval Service to be a "blessing in disguise" for personal and professional growth. I can't imagine another path which would have been a better experience. Thanks again to all.