Keesler AFB

When I reenlisted, I went to Keesler Air Force Base

in Biloxi, Mississippi. I studied to be a flight facilities

equipment repairman. Why did I do this? I hated the service.

I had run out of money. I didn’t like living at home. My father

glared at me at the supper table for mocking his burgher friends.

Did you foreclose on any mortgage today? I couldn’t take

the hate-darts. I remembered getting laid on payday.

I thought I’d get back overseas. I thought I’d learn a trade.

I thought they’d have the GI Bill when I got out the second time.

It was the only way I could see to finish college. Reenlist.

They did have the GI Bill. I did finish college.

I did get back overseas. To Japan. I did get laid.

I did learn a trade. Technical writer.

But as soon as I reported in, it all

came back. Oh, shit. Four more years.

I didn’t make it out of the 8^th grade for this.

As Chef said in Apocalypse Now when the tiger

jumped at him out of the bushes.